Dispersants and dispersant viscosity index improvers from selectively hydrogenated polymers

ABSTRACT

The invention provides dispersants and dispersant viscosity index improvers which include polymers of conjugated dienes which have been hydrogenated and functionalized. The dispersant substances include compositions including a copolymer of a ring substituted styrene and a conjugated diene. The polymers are selectively hydrogenated to produce polymers which have highly controlled residual amounts of aromatic unsaturation, permitting highly selective functionalization. Also provided are lubricant fluids, such as mineral and synthetic oils, which have been modified in their dispersancy and/or viscometric properties by means of the dispersant substances of the invention. Also provided are methods of modifying the dispersancy and/or viscometric properties of lubricating fluids such as mineral and synthetic lubricating oils. The dispersant substances may also include a carrier fluid to provide dispersant concentrates.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/382,814, filed Feb. 3, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,783, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/179,051 filed Jan. 7, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,730, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 07/992,341, filed Dec. 17, 1992, and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,937, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/907,959 filed Aug. 6, 1992, and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,359, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 07/466,135 filed Jan. 16, 1990, and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,895. The entire contents of application Ser. No. 07/466,135 are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to dispersants, dispersants with Viscosity index (VI) improving properties, and dispersant VI improvers from functionalized diene polymers, and methods of their use. More particularly, the invention relates to dispersants, dispersants with VI improving properties, and dispersant VI improvers from selectively hydrogenated copolymers prepared using conjugated dienes. The invention is additionally directed to dispersants, dispersants with VI improving properties, and dispersant VI improvers from chemically modified derivatives of the above polymers.

Liquid elastomers are well known and are used in various applications. For example, many functionally terminated polybutadiene liquid elastomers are known. These materials are generally highly unsaturated and frequently form the base polymer for polyurethane formulations. The preparation and application of hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene is detailed by J. C. Brosse et al. in "Hydroxyl-terminated polymers obtained by free radical polymerization--Synthesis, characterization and applications," Advances in Polymer Science 81, Springer--Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, 1987, pp. 167-220.

Also, liquid polymers possessing acrylate, carboxy- or mercapto-terminals are known. In addition to butadiene, it is known to utilize isoprene as the base monomer for the liquid elastomers. The liquid elastomers may contain additional monomers, such as styrene or acrylonitrile, for controlling compatibility in blends with polar materials, such as epoxy resins.

Also known in the prior art are pure hydrocarbon, non-functionalized liquid rubbers. These liquid elastomers contain varying degrees of unsaturation for utilization in vulcanization. Typical of highly unsaturated liquid elastomers is polybutadiene, e.g., that sold under the name RICON by Ricon Resins, Inc. A liquid polyisoprene which has been hydrogenated to saturate 90% of its original double bonds is marketed as LIR-290 by Kuraray Isoprene Chemical Co. Ltd. Still more highly saturated are liquid butyl rubbers available from Hardman Rubber Co., and Trilene, a liquid ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) available from Uniroyal Chemical Co. The more highly saturated liquid elastomers exhibit good oxidation and ozone resistance properties.

Falk, Journal of Polymer Science: PART A-1, 9:2617-23 (1971), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method of hydrogenating 1,4,-polybutadiene in the presence of 1,4-polyisoprene. More particularly, Falk discloses hydrogenation of the 1,4-polybutadiene block segment in the block copolymer of 1,4-polybutadiene-1,4-polyisoprene-1,4-polybutadiene and in random copolymers of butadiene and isoprene, with both polymerized monomers having predominantly 1,4-microstructure. Hydrogenation is conducted in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst made by the reaction of organoaluminum or lithium compounds with transition metal salts of 2-ethylhexanoic acid. Falk, Die Angewandte Chemie, 21(286):17-23 (1972), the entire contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference, discloses the hydrogenation of 1,4-polybutadiene segments in a block copolymer of 1,4-polybutadiene-1,4-polyisoprene-1,4-polybutadiene.

Hoxmeier, Published European Patent Application 88202449.0, filed on Nov. 2, 1988, Publication Number 0 315 280, published on May 10, 1989, discloses a method of selectively hydrogenating a polymer made from at least two different conjugated diolefins. One of the two diolefins is more substituted in the 2, 3 and/or 4 carbon atoms than the other diolefin and produces tri- or tetra-substituted double bond after polymerization. The selective hydrogenation is conducted under such conditions as to hydrogenate the ethylenic unsaturation incorporated into the polymer from the lesser substituted conjugated diolefin, while leaving unsaturated at least a portion of the tri- or tetra-substituted unsaturation incorporated into the polymer by the more substituted conjugated diolefin.

Mohajer et al., "Hydrogenated linear block copolymers of butadiene and isoprene: Effects of variation of composition and sequence architecture on properties", Polymer 23:1523-35 (1982) discloses essentially completely hydrogenated butadiene-isoprene-butadiene (HBIB), HIBI and HBI block copolymers in which butadiene has predominantly 1,4-microstructure.

Kuraray K K, Japanese published patent application Number JP-328 729, filed on Dec. 12, 1987, published on Jul. 4, 1989, discloses a resin composition comprising 70-99% wt. of a polyolefin (preferably polyethylene or polypropylene) and 1-30% wt. of a copolymer obtained by hydrogenation of at least 50% of unsaturated bond of isoprene/butadiene copolymer.

Ashless dispersants are additives to lubricant fluids such as fuels and lubricating oils which improve the dispersability of the fluids or improve their viscometric properties. Typically, such dispersants are modified polymers, having an oleophilic polymer backbone to assure good solubility and to maintain particles suspended in the oil, and polar functionality to bind or attach to oxidation products and sludge. Dispersants generally have a solubilizing oleophilic (hydrophobic) tail and a polar (hydrophilic) head, forming micelles when actively bound to sludge.

Common dispersants include polyisobutenes which have been modified by the ene reaction to include functional groups such as succinimides, hydroxyethyl imides, succinate esters/amides, and oxazolines. Other dispersants include Mannich base derivatives of polybutenes, ethylene propylene polymers, and acrylic polymers.

Traditionally, dispersants have been polybutenes functionalized at one site in the molecule via an ene reaction with maleic anhydride followed by imidization with a polyamine. The polybutenes are typically 500-2,000 in molecular weight, and due to the polymerization process employed in their manufacture, have no more than one olefin per polybutene molecule. Accordingly, the number of potential functional groups per chain is limited to about one. Typically, this site is at a terminal portion of the molecule. Moreover, it is generally accepted that, in order to obtain beneficial dispersant properties, a molecule must have at least one functional group per approximately 2,000 molecular weight. Consequently, the molecular weight of traditional polybutene dispersants cannot exceed 2,000 if the desired functionality/hydrocarbon ratio is to be maintained. In addition, traditional dispersants have had molecular structures which have limited the placement of functional groups, generally requiring that such groups be placed at the terminal regions of the molecules.

The polymerization process for the traditional butene polymers has also generated products having an unacceptably wide distribution of molecular weights, i.e., an unacceptably high ratio of weight average molecular weight (M_(w)) to number average molecular weight (M_(n)). Typically, such distributions are M_(w) /M_(n) ≧˜2.5, producing compositions whose dispersant properties are not well defined.

Moreover, functionalization reactions in these polymers have typically yielded substantial quantities of undesirable by-products such as insoluble modified polymers of variant molecular weight. Functionalization reactions can also result in compounds which contain undesirable chemical moieties such as chlorine.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,007,121 to Holder et al. describes lubricant additives which include polymers such as ethylene propylene polymers (EPT) having N-hydrocarbylcarboxamide groups. Such polymers are difficult to hydrogenate in any controllable manner.

European Patent Application No. EP 0 344 021 discloses polymers prepared from p-alkylstyrene and isobutylene. This document discloses that the polymerization proceeds optimally when the amount of diene in the reaction mixture is minimized. No description is provided as to whether such compounds would serve as lubricant additives.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,868,330 and 4,234,435 to Meinhardt et al. disclose carboxylic acid acylating agents for modification of lubricant additives Modified polyalkenes are described such as polyisobutene-substituted succinic acylating agents having M_(n) of 1300-5000 and M_(w) /M_(n) of 1.5-4. These processes employ chlorination which results in residual chlorine in the polymer, creating an environmental hazard.

Heretofore, the art has failed to produce dispersants and dispersant VI improvers having selective and controllable amounts of polar functionality in their polymeric structure. Thus, the art has failed to provide any means of developing dispersants and dispersant VI improvers having higher molecular weights and/or higher amounts of functionalization per molecule. The art has also failed to provide dispersant polymers having desirably narrow molecular weight distributions to avoid the presence of by-products which degrade dispersant performance. The art has also failed to provide dispersant and VI improving compositions which exhibit good thermal stability.

Accordingly, it is a purpose of this invention to provide dispersants and dispersant VI improvers having polymeric structures which permit highly selective control of the degree of unsaturation and consequent functionalization. Unique materials can also be obtained by chemical modification of the polymers of this invention since the polymers can be selectively modified at controllable sites, such as at random sites or at the terminal ends of the molecules.

It is an additional purpose of this invention to provide a method for the production of dispersants and dispersant VI improvers from polymers having controlled amounts of unsaturation incorporated randomly in an otherwise saturated backbone. In contrast to EPDM-based dispersants, the level of unsaturation can be inexpensively and easily controlled, e.g., from 1% to 50%, to, provide a wide variation in functionalizability.

It is a further purpose of the invention to provide dispersant and VI improving polymers having narrow molecular weight distributions and a concomitant lack of undesirable by-products, thereby providing more precisely tailored dispersant and/or VI improving properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides dispersant and dispersant Viscosity index (VI) improvers which include polymers of conjugated dienes which have been hydrogenated and subsequently chemically modified. The dispersancy and VI improving properties of the compositions of the invention may be controlled by controlling the size of the polymers and the extent and distribution of their functionalization. Accordingly, these substances are termed throughout "dispersant substances".

In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a dispersant substance for modifying the dispersancy or viscometric properties of a lubricant fluid, in which the dispersant substance includes a copolymer of two different conjugated dienes. In this case, the first conjugated diene includes at least one relatively more substituted conjugated diene having at least five carbon atoms and the formula: ##STR1## wherein R¹ -R⁶ are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that at least one of R¹ -R⁶ is a hydrocarbyl group, and also provided that, after polymerization, the unsaturation of the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (1) has the formula: ##STR2## wherein R^(I), R^(II), R^(III) and R^(IV) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that either both R^(I) and R^(II) are hydrocarbyl groups or both R^(III) and R^(IV) are hydrocarbyl groups.

The second conjugated diene in the dispersant substances of this embodiment includes at least one relatively less substituted conjugated diene which is different from the first conjugated diene and has at least four carbon atoms and the formula: ##STR3## wherein R⁷ -R¹² are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that, after polymerization, the unsaturation of the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (3) has the formula: ##STR4## wherein R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII) and R^(VIII) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that one of R^(V) or R^(VI) is hydrogen, one of R^(VII) or R^(VIII) is hydrogen, and at least one of R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII) and R^(VIII) is a hydrocarbyl group.

Following polymerization the diene copolymer is preferably functionalized by a method which includes selectively hydrogenating the copolymer to provide a selectively hydrogenated copolymer, followed by functionalizing the selectively hydrogenated copolymer to provide a functionalized copolymer having at least one polar functional group.

In a preferred embodiment, the dispersant substance includes a polymer in which the first and second conjugated dienes are polymerized as a block copolymer including at least two alternating blocks:

    (I).sub.x --(B).sub.y or (B).sub.y --(I).sub.x,

In this case, the block (I) includes at least one polymerized conjugated diene of formula (1), while the block (B) includes at least one polymerized conjugated diene of formula (3). In addition, x is the number of polymerized monomer units in block (I) and is at least 1, and y is the number of polymerized monomer units in block (B) and is at least 25. It should be understood throughout that x and y are defined relative to blocks in a linear block copolymer or blocks in an arm or segment of a branched or star-branched copolymer in which the arm or segment has substantially linear structure.

Preferably, in the block copolymers of this embodiment, x is from about 1 to about 600, and y is from about 30 to about 4,000, more preferably x is from about 1 to about 350, and y is from about 30 to about 2,800. While larger values for x and y are generally related to larger molecular weights, polymers which have multiple blocks and star-branched polymers typically will have molecular weights which are not well represented in the values of x and y for each block.

Alternatively, the dispersant substance includes the first and second conjugated dienes polymerized as a random copolymer. The dispersant substance may include the first and second conjugated dienes polymerized as a branched or star-branched copolymer.

The copolymers useful according to this embodiment typically have a molecular weight of at least about 2,000. Preferably, the molecular weight of these polymers is from about 2,000 to about 1,000,000, more preferably from about 5,000 to about 500,000.

The molecular weight of a polymer of the invention is generally associated with the physical properties it exhibits when employed as a dispersant or dispersant VI improver. Typically, polymers having lower molecular weights are employed as dispersants, while VI-improving properties and relative thickening power are associated with polymers having higher molecular weights and correspondingly greater viscosity. For purposes of discussion, polymers of the invention having molecular weights in the range of from about 2,000 to about 20,000 may be classified as dispersants, polymers having molecular weights of from about 20,000 to about 50,000 may be classified as dispersants with VI-improving properties, and polymers having molecular weights of about 50,000 or more may be classified as dispersant VI improvers.

In the dispersant substances of the invention, the copolymer is preferably selectively hydrogenated. It is preferred that the unsaturation of formula (4) be substantially completely hydrogenated, thereby retaining substantially none of the original unsaturation of this type, while the unsaturation of formula (2) is substantially retained (i.e., the residual unsaturation after hydrogenation), in at least an amount which is sufficient to permit functionalization of the copolymer.

After the hydrogenation reaction, the Iodine Number for the residual unsaturation of formula (2) is generally from about 50% to about 100% of the Iodine Number prior to the hydrogenation reaction. More preferably, after hydrogenation, the Iodine Number for the residual unsaturation of formula (2) is about 100% of the Iodine Number prior to the hydrogenation reaction.

After the hydrogenation reaction, the Iodine Number for the residual unsaturation of formula (4) is from about 0% to about 10% of the Iodine Number prior to the hydrogenation reaction. More preferably, after the hydrogenation reaction, the Iodine Number for the residual unsaturation of formula (4) is from about 0% to about 0.5% of the Iodine Number prior to the hydrogenation reaction. Most preferably, after the hydrogenation reaction, the Iodine Number for the residual unsaturation of formula (4) is from about 0% to about 0.2% of the Iodine Number prior to the hydrogenation reaction.

The conjugated diene of formula (1) preferably includes a conjugated diene such as isoprene, 2,3-dimethyl-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, myrcene, 3-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 2-phenyl-1,3-butadadiene, 2-phenyl-1,3-pentadiene, 3-phenyl-1,3 pentadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-pentadiene, 2-hexyl-1,3-butadiene, 3-methyl-1,3-hexadiene, 2-benzyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-p-tolyl-1,3-butadiene, or mixtures thereof. More preferably, the conjugated diene of formula (1) includes isoprene, myrcene, 2,3-dimethyl-butadiene or 2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene. Still more preferably, the conjugated diene of formula (1) includes isoprene.

Preferably, the conjugated diene of formula (3) includes 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-hexadiene, 1,3-heptadiene, 2,4-heptadiene, 1,3-octadiene, 2,4-octadiene, 3,5-octadiene, 1,3-nonadiene, 2,4-nonadiene, 3,5-nonadiene, 1,3-decadiene, 2,4-decadiene, 3,5-decadiene, or mixtures thereof. More preferably, the conjugated diene of formula (3) includes 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, or 1,3-hexadiene. Still more preferably, the conjugated diene of formula (3) includes 1,3-butadiene.

Generally, when the conjugated diene includes substantial amounts of 1,3-butadiene, the polymerized butadiene includes a mixture of 1,4- and 1,2-units. The preferred structures contain at least about 25% of the 1,2-units. More preferably, the structures contain from about 30% to about 90% of the 1,2-subunits. Most preferably, the structures contain from about 45% to about 65% of the 1,2-units.

To provide dispersancy, the selectively hydrogenated polymer is chemically modified of "functionalized" to provide a polymer having at least one polar functional group, such as, but not limited to, halogen, epoxy, hydroxy, amino, nitrilo, mercapto, imido, carboxy, and sulfonic acid groups of combinations thereof. The functionalized polymers can be further modified to give a more desired type of functionality.

In a preferred case, the selectively hydrogenated polymer is chemically modified by a method which includes: reacting the selectively hydrogenated polymer with an unsaturated carboxyilic acid (or derivative thereof, such as maleic anhydride) to provide an acylated polymer, and then reacting the acylated polymer with a monoamine, a polyamine or a combination thereof.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides dispersant substances based upon a copolymer of at least one ring-substituted styrene and at least one conjugated diene. Preferably, the ring-substituted styrene has at least one benzylic hydrogen and the formula: ##STR5## wherein n=1-5, and R^(A) and R^(B) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group. Preferably, n=1-3, and more preferably n=1. Preferably, the conjugated diene comprises at least one conjugated diene having at least four carbon atoms and a formula corresponding to the conjugated dienes of formulae (1) or (3) described above. Following polymerization, the original unsaturation in the polymerized conjugated diene has a formula corresponding to formulae (2) or (4) as described above.

Following polymerization the substituted styrene-diene copolymer is preferably functionalized by a method which includes selectively hydrogenating the copolymer to provide a selectively hydrogenated copolymer, followed by functionalizing the selectively hydrogenated copolymer to provide a functionalized copolymer having at least one polar functional group.

The polymers of this embodiment include a ring-substituted styrene in an amount of from about 0.5% wt. to about 25% wt., and a conjugated diene in an amount of from about 75% wt. to about 99.5% wt. Preferably, a ring-substituted styrene is included in an amount of from about 1% wt. to about 20% wt., and a conjugated diene in an amount of from about 80% to about 99% wt. More preferably, a ring-substituted styrene is included in an amount of from about 5% wt. to about 15% wt., and a conjugated diene is included in an amount of from about 85% to about 95% wt.

In the dispersant substances of this embodiment, a ring-substituted styrene and a conjugated diene are preferably polymerized as a block copolymer comprising at least two alternating blocks:

    (P).sub.x --(B).sub.y or (B).sub.y --(P).sub.x,

wherein the block (P) includes at least one polymerized ring-substituted styrene of formula (5), and the block (B) includes at least one polymerized conjugated diene of formulae (1) or (3). In addition, x is the number of polymerized monomer units in block (P) and is at least 1, and y is the number of polymerized monomer units in block (B) and is at least 25. Preferably, in the block copolymers of this embodiment, x is from about 1 to about 600, and y is from about 30 to about 4,000, more preferably x is from about 1 to about 350, and y is from about 30 to about 2,800.

Alternatively, a ring-substituted styrene and a conjugated diene are polymerized as a random copolymer. In addition, a ring-substituted styrene and a conjugated diene may be polymerized as a branched or star-branched random or block copolymer.

The copolymers useful according to this embodiment typically have a molecular weight of at least about 2,000. Preferably, the molecular weight of these polymers is from about 2,000 to about 1,000,000, more preferably from about 5,000 to about 500,000. The molecular weight distribution of these polymers is preferably about 1.01 to about 1.20.

The dispersant substances of this embodiment include a copolymer which can be selectively hydrogenated to retain as much of the original aromatic unsaturation a possible, while removing as much of the original unsaturation of formulae (2) or (4) as possible. Preferably, following hydrogenation, the residual unsaturation of formulae (2) or (4) is from about 0% to about 1% of the Iodine Number prior to the hydrogenation reaction. More preferably, after the hydrogenation reaction, the Iodine Number for the residual unsaturation of formulae (2) or (4) is from about 0% to about 0.5% of the Iodine Number prior to the hydrogenation reaction. Most preferably, after the hydrogenation reaction, the Iodine Number for the residual unsaturation of formulae (2) or (4) is from about 0% to about 0.2% of the Iodine Number prior to the hydrogenation reaction.

Preferably, following the selective hydrogenation, the aromatic unsaturation of the substituted styrene monomer is at least about 50% retained, more preferably at least about 90% retained, and most preferably about 100% retained.

In the dispersant substances of this embodiment, the ring-substituted styrene component of the polymer preferably includes an alkylstyrene, such as vinyl toluene, vinyl xylene, methylstyrene, ethylstyrene, propylstyrene, isopropylstyrene, sec-butylstyrene, or benzylstyrene, or mixtures thereof. More preferably, the ring-substituted styrene includes p-methylstyrene.

In the dispersant substances of this embodiment, the conjugated diene may include one or more conjugated dienes of formulae (1) or (3) as described elsewhere herein. Preferably, the conjugated diene includes a conjugated diene of formula (1) such as isoprene, 2,3-dimethyl-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, myrcene, 3-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 2-phenyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-phenyl-1,3-pentadiene, 3-phenyl-1,3 pentadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-pentadiene, 2-hexyl-1,3-butadiene, 3-methyl-1,3-hexadiene, 2-benzyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-p-tolyl-1,3-butadiene, or mixtures thereof, and/or a conjugated diene of formula (3) such as 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 2,4-hexadiene, 1,3-hexadiene, 1,3-heptadiene, 2,4-heptadiene, 1,3-octadiene, 2,4-octadiene, 3,5-octadiene, 1,3-nonadiene, 2,4-nonadiene, 3,5-nonadiene, 1,3-decadiene, 2,4-decadiene, 3,5-decadiene, or mixtures thereof.

More preferably, the conjugated diene of formula (1) includes isoprene, myrcene, 2,3-dimethyl-butadiene, or 2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene. Most preferably, the conjugated diene of formula (1) includes isoprene. More preferably, the conjugated diene of formula (3) includes 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, or 1,3-hexadiene. Most preferably, the conjugated diene of formula (3) includes 1,3-butadiene.

In the copolymers of this embodiment, when the conjugated diene includes 1,3-butadiene, the polymerized butadiene include a mixture of 1,4- and 1,2-units. Preferably, the conjugated dienes include at least about 25%, more preferably from about 30% to about 90%, and most preferably from about 45% to about 65%, of the 1,2-units.

Also in this embodiment, the selectively hydrogenated polymer is more preferably chemically modified to provide a polymer with at least one halogen functional group. Preferably, the halogen functional group includes bromine. To impart dispersant properties, it is more preferred to further modify the polymer, e.g., by reacting the halogen group with an amine, a polyamine, or a combination thereof.

In still another embodiment, the invention is directed to homopolymers of a conjugated diene, selected from among any of the dienes of formulae (1) and (3) described above. Preferred conjugated dienes of formula (1) include isoprene, myrcene, 2,3-dimethyl-butadiene, or 2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene. Preferred conjugated dienes of formula (3) include 1,3-butadiene or 1,3-pentadiene. The polymerized diene may be prepared in linear, branched, or star-branched form. The homopolymer may be subjected to selective hydrogenation to provide a partially hydrogenated polymer, retaining a sufficient amount of the original unsaturation to functionalize the polymer.

Any of the dispersant substances of the invention may include a functionalized polymer of the invention distributed in a carrier fluid such as a synthetic or mineral oil, to provide a dispersant concentrate. The dispersant concentrates generally include the polymer in an amount of from about 5% wt. to about 90% wt., more preferably from about 10% wt. to about 70% wt., of the dispersant substance, depending upon the molecular weight of the polymer.

The dispersant substances may further include at least one additive selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, pour point depressants, detergents, dispersants, friction modifiers, anti-wear agents, anti-foam agents, corrosion and rust inhibitors, Viscosity index improvers, and the like.

The invention further provides a method of modifying the dispersancy or viscometric properties of a fluid such as a lubricant. The method includes admixing with a fluid an amount of a dispersant substance of the invention which is sufficient to provide a dispersant-modified fluid having dispersancy or viscometric properties which are altered from the original fluid. Preferably, the method involves admixing the dispersant substance in an amount of from about 0.001% wt. to about 20% wt., more preferably from about 0.1% wt. to about 10% wt., and most preferably from about 0.5% wt. to about 7% wt., of the dispersant-modified fluid. Typically, the method of the invention is employed to modify lubricating oils and normally liquid fuels; such as motor oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, gear oils, aviation oils, and the like. In addition, the method may further include admixing with the fluid at least one additive such as antioxidants, pour point depressants, detergents, dispersants, friction modifiers, anti-wear agents, anti-foam agents, corrosion and rust inhibitors, viscosity index improvers, and the like.

The invention also provides a dispersant-modified fluid, such as a hydrocarbon fluid, having modified dispersancy or viscometric properties. In this embodiment, the dispersant-modified fluid typically includes a mineral or synthetic oil and a dispersant substance of the invention. Preferably, the dispersant-modified fluid of the invention includes a dispersant substance in an amount of from about 0.001% wt. to about 20% wt., more preferably from about 0.1% wt. to about 10% wt., and most preferably from about 0.5% wt. to about 7% wt., of the modified lubricating fluid. The dispersant-modified fluid preferably includes a mineral or synthetic lubricating oil or a normally liquid fuel; such as motor oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, gear oils, aviation oils, and the like. These dispersant-modified fluids may further include at least one additive such as antioxidants, pour point depressants, detergents, dispersants, friction modifiers, anti-wear agents, anti-foam agents, corrosion and rust inhibitors, viscosity index improvers, and the like.

The copolymers of all embodiments are prepared under anionic polymerization conditions. Following polymerization, the polymers of the invention are selectively hydrogenated to provide a controlled amount and extent of residual unsaturation. After the selective hydrogenation reaction, the hydrogenation catalyst is removed from the polymer and the polymer is chemically modified of functionalized to impart desirable characteristics for the dispersant substances of the invention.

Accordingly, as a result of the invention, there are now provided dispersants, dispersants with VI-improving properties, and dispersant VI improvers prepared by polymerization of conjugated dienes, followed by selective hydrogenation and functionalization. These dispersant substances of the invention possess numerous advantages, including controlled molecular weight, controlled molecular weight distribution, controlled polymer structure, variable and controlled amounts and distribution of functionality, superior thermal stability, potentially permitting reduced treat levels and yielding benefits such as improved viscometric properties.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be appreciated from the detailed description and examples which are set forth herein. The detailed description and examples enhance the understanding of the invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description, but are not intended in any way to restrict the scope of the present invention. The preferred embodiments of certain aspects of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the relationship of viscosity as a function of molecular weight for the unhydrogenated isoprene-butadiene-isoprene triblock polymer of this invention.

FIG. 2 shows the relationship of viscosity as a function of molecular weight for the hydrogenated isoprene-butadiene-isoprene triblock polymer of this invention.

FIG. 3 shows the dispersancy characteristics of two commercial dispersants as compared to dispersants of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows the dispersancy characteristics of two commercial dispersants as compared to dispersants of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows the dispersancy characteristics of two commercial dispersants as compared to a dispersant of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The polymeric dispersants of the invention, typically having lower molecular weights, can be employed in any lubricant or fuel composition that requires a dispersant to control the deposition of sludge particles on, for example, engine parts. Other polymeric substances of the invention, typically those having higher molecular weights, may be employed for their VI-improving properties in any lubricant fluid which may benefit from a modification of its viscometric properties. These compounds may also find a variety of uses in addition to lubricant additives, such as adhesives, sealants, impact modifiers, and the like.

As noted above, traditional dispersants have been polybutenes functionalized via an ene reaction with maleic anhydride followed by imidization with a polyamine. The polybutenes are typically 500-2,000 in molecular weight. With one olefin per polybutene molecule, the number of potential functional groups per chain is limited to one. Consequently, the molecular weight of polybutene may not exceed 2,000 if the desired functionality/hydrocarbon ratio is to be maintained.

By contrast, with this invention, the amount of residual unsaturation can be controllably varied. As a result, the amount of functionality one wishes to incorporate is quite flexible. In addition, the molecular weight of the polymer backbone is not limited to 2,000. Higher molecular weight polymers can be prepared and functionalized such that the same functionality/hydrocarbon ratio that is found in the traditional dispersant is maintained if so desired. Moreover, with this invention, the position of the functionality is not limited to the end of the polymer chain as it is with polybutenes. Instead, a variety of options is now available, including, for example, randomly along the backbone, at one end, at both ends, or in the center, of the polymer chain.

If a polymer according to the invention is of sufficiently high molecular weight (e.g., 20,000-50,000), it will exhibit increased thickening power and viscosity index-improving (VI-improving) properties, as well as sludge dispersing ability. Hence, the use of these materials may permit reduction in use of both traditional dispersants and VI. If materials are prepared with backbones that are ≧50,000 in molecular weight, the functionalized versions can be classified as dispersant VI improvers or VI improvers with dispersant properties. Their dispersant capabilities are outstanding for dispersant VI improvers.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides polymers including at least two different conjugated dienes, wherein one of the dienes is more substituted in the 2, 3, and 4 carbon positions than the other diene. The more substituted diene produces vinylidene, tri-, or tetra-substituted double bonds after polymerization. Hydrogenation of the material is done selectively so as to saturate the lesser substituted olefins, which primarily arise from the lesser substituted diene, while leaving a portion of the more substituted conjugated olefins behind for functionalizing.

In this embodiment, the more substituted conjugated diene will have at least five (5) carbon atoms and the following formula: ##STR6## wherein R¹ -R⁶ are each hydrogen (H) or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that at least one of R¹ -R⁶ is a hydrocarbyl group. After polymerization, the unsaturation in the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (1) has the following formula: ##STR7## wherein R^(I), R^(II), R^(III) and R^(IV) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that either both R^(I) and R^(II) are hydrocarbyl groups or both R^(III) and R^(IV) are hydrocarbyl groups. Examples of conjugated dienes of formula 1 include isoprene, 2,3-dimethylbutadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, myrcene, and the like. Isoprene is highly preferred.

The lesser substituted conjugated diene in this embodiment differs from the other diene in that it has at least four (4) carbon atoms and the following formula: ##STR8## wherein R⁷ -R¹² are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group. After polymerization, the unsaturation in the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (3) has the following formula: ##STR9## wherein R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII) and R^(VIII) are each hydrogen (H) or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that one of R^(V) or R^(VI) is hydrogen, one of R^(VII) or R^(VIII) is hydrogen, and at least one of R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII) and R^(VIII) is a hydrocarbyl group. Examples of the conjugated diene of formula (3) include 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 2,4-hexadiene, and the like. A highly preferred conjugated diene of formula 3 is 1,3-butadiene.

An exception to this scheme would be when a tetra-substituted diene, e.g., 2,3-dimethylbutadiene, is used for the more substituted component (1), When this occurs, a tri-substituted olefin, e.g., isoprene, may be used for the lesser substituted component (3), such that one or both of R^(V) and R^(VI) are hydrogen and both R^(VII) and R^(VIII) are hydrocarbyl.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in the original unsaturation of formula (2), R^(I), R^(II), R^(III) and R^(IV) may all be hydrocarbyl groups, whereas in the original unsaturation of formula (4) at least one of R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII) and R^(VIII) must be a hydrogen.

The hydrocarbyl group or groups in the formulae (1) to (4) are the same or different and they are substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, alkaryl, or aralkyl groups, or any isomers thereof.

The copolymers of this embodiment are prepared by anionically polymerizing a diene of formula (1) at a level of from about 0.5% wt. to about 25% wt., and a diene of formula (3) at a level of from about 75% wt. to about 99.5% wt., in a hydrocarbon solvent using an alkyllithium catalyst. The two monomers can be polymerized in block, tapered block, or random fashion. Since the polymerization is anionic, the molecular weight distribution of these copolymers is typically very narrow, generally ranging from about 1.01 to about 1.20, and is determined by the ratio of monomer to initiator and/or by the presence of coupling agents.

The monomers (1) and (3) may be polymerized either simultaneously or in stepwise fashion depending on the desired position of the remaining unsaturation after hydrogenation. If random positioning of the unsaturation is desired, both monomers are reacted together to give a random copolymer. If it is desirable to have the functionality on only one end, then the monomers are reacted in stepwise fashion, the order being determined as desired, to provide a diblock copolymer. If functionality is needed on both ends, then a conjugated diene of formula (1) is polymerized first, followed by a diene of formula (3). To the living anion, a coupling agent, e.g., phenyl benzoate or methyl benzoate, is then added to yield a desired triblock copolymer. Alternatively, a diene of formula (1) may be added to the living diblock to give the triblock. A fourth approach would allow the functionality to be positioned in the center of the polymer chain. In this case, a diene of formula (3) is polymerized first, followed by a diene of formula (1), and then a third block of diene of formula (3) is added by coupling agent or through the living anion of the diblock. In addition, combinations of the above approaches may be employed.

The present invention also includes copolymers that are prepared from a ring-substituted styrene and a conjugated diene, preferably p-methylstyrene and 1,3-butadiene. More specifically, the materials are generated by anionically polymerizing a ring-substituted styrene (about 0.5 wt. % to about 25 wt. %) and a diene (about 99.5 wt. % to about 75 wt. %). The monomers can be polymerized either in block, tapered block, or random fashion. For a random distribution of the ring-substituted styrene, it is necessary to polymerize the two monomers in the presence of a substantial quantity of a polar modifier or to slowly add the diene to polymerizing ring-substituted styrene.

The scope of this embodiment includes ring-substituted styrenes that have at least one benzylic hydrogen and possess the formula: ##STR10## wherein n=1-5, and R^(A) and R^(B) are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group. More preferably, n=1-3, and most preferably n=1. The conjugated diene in this embodiment may be selected from among the dienes having formula (1) or (3) as described elsewhere herein.

This embodiment includes functionalized versions of the ring-substituted styrene-conjugated diene copolymers described above. Functionality-introducing reactions such as halogenation are carried out on the copolymers in a separate post-hydrogenation step. The halogenated copolymers are then further modified, typically by a reaction involving a monoamine or a polyamine.

The invention is further directed to homopolymers of a conjugated diene. The conjugated diene may selected from any of the dienes described in relation to formulae (1) and (3) described elsewhere herein. These polymers have preferably been partially hydrogenated such that they possess an Iodine Number of 1-150, preferably 2-100. The unsaturation remaining after hydrogenation is used to incorporate polar functionality along the backbone of the polymer. These functionalized materials may be used as lubricant additives. Functionalization may be accomplished by reacting with an unsaturated carboxylic acid derivative via the ene reaction or via a radical addition. Preferably, the acylated polymer is then further modified by reacting with a monamine or a polyamine. Other modification methods such as halogenation, epoxidation, hydroxylation, and the like, may be used.

The invention can include polymers of differing microstructures. The presence of polar modifier increases the activity of the catalyst and, therefore, increase the level of 1,2-microstructure over 1,4-microstructure in polybutadiene, for example. The percentage of vinyl obtained is directly proportional to the concentration of the modifier employed. Since the reaction temperature also plays a role in determining the microstructure of polybutadiene, the level of modifier must be chosen taking into account the combined effects. Antkowiak et al. have presented a way for quickly determining the proper conditions for preparation of any 1,2-microstructure content within a range of from about 10% to about 80%. Use of this method or any others to achieve the desired microstructure will be known to anyone who is skilled in the art.

The dispersants and dispersant VI improvers of the invention can include different polymer macrostructures. Polymers may be prepared and utilized having linear and/or nonlinear, e.g., star-branched, macrostructures. The star-branched polymers can be prepared by addition of divinylbenzene or the like to the living polymer anion. Lower levels of branching can be obtained through the use of tri-functional or tetra-functional coupling agents, such as tetrachlorosilane.

The invention also includes dispersant polymers wherein the polymers include an additional aryl-substituted olefin such as styrene, p-methylstyrene, vinyl naphthalene, etc. The aryl substituted olefin may be incorporated randomly throughout the polymer, randomly in one or two of the blocks with another monomer, or in a tapered block or pure block at any position along the polymer. Thus, any of the (I) and (B) blocks may include an aryl-substituted olefin in an amount of up to about 30% wt. The random copolymers and homopolymers of the invention can also include an aryl-substituted olefin in an amount of up to about 30% wt.

If an aryl-substituted olefin is incorporated into a higher molecular weight polymer of the invention in a pure block or tapered block fashion, the resulting material will have reduced cold flow. A lack of cold flow is a trait which is desirable for higher molecular weight VI improvers since the bulk polymer resists flowing at temperatures at which it would normally be stored prior to use in a lube oil (e.g., up to about 140° F.). It is generally preferred that the VI improver have a crumb or particulate form which retains its shape during storage. Also, the retention of the shape of the crumbs enhances the ease of solubilization of the polymers because their relatively large surface area is preserved.

In all embodiments of this invention, whenever a reference is made to the "original double bond" or the "original unsaturation" of the block or random polymer (or copolymer), it is understood to mean the double bond(s) in the polymer prior to the hydrogenation reaction. By contrast, the terms "residual double bond(s)" and "residual unsaturation", as used herein, refer to the unsaturated group(s), typically excluding aromatic unsaturation, present in the copolymer after the selective hydrogenation reaction.

The molecular structure of the original or residual double bonds can be determined in any conventional manner, as is known to those skilled in the art, e.g., by infrared (IR) or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. In addition, the total original or residual unsaturation of the polymer can be quantified in any conventional manner, e.g., by reference to the Iodine Number of the polymer.

In any polymers of any of the embodiments of this invention, the microstructure of the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (3) must be such that the polymer is not excessively crystalline after the selective hydrogenation reaction. That is, after the selective hydrogenation reaction the polymer must retain its elastomeric properties, e.g., the polymer should contain not more than about 10% of polyethylene crystallinity. Generally, problems of crystallinity occur only when the polymer includes polymerized 1,3-butadiene. Limiting polymeric crystallinity may be accomplished in various ways. For example, this is accomplished by introducing side branches into the polymerized conjugated dienes of formulae (1) and/or (3), e.g., by controlling the microstructure of 1,3-butadiene if it is the predominant monomer in the diene of formula (3); by using a mixture of dienes of formula (3) containing less than predominant amounts of 1,3-butadiene; or by using a single diene of formula (3), other than 1,3-butadiene. More particularly, if the conjugated diene(s) of formula (3) is predominantly (at least 50% by mole) 1,3-butadiene, the side branches are introduced into the polymer by insuring that the polymerized diene of formula (3) contains a sufficient amount of the 1,2-units to prevent the selectively hydrogenated polymer from being excessively crystalline. Thus, if the conjugated diene of formula (3) is predominantly (at least 50% by mole, e.g., 100% by mole) 1,3-butadiene, the polymerized diene of formula (3), prior to the selective hydrogenation reaction, must contain not more than about 75% wt., preferably from about 10% wt. to about 70% wt., and most preferably from about 35% wt. to about 55% wt. of the 1,4-units, and at least about 25% wt., preferably from about 30% wt. to about 90% wt., and most preferably from about 45% wt. to about 65% wt. of the 1,2-units. If the polymerized diene(s) of formula (3) contains less than 50% by mole of 1,3-butadiene, e.g., 1,3-pentadiene is used as the only diene of formula (3), the microstructure of the polymerized diene of formula (3) prior to the selective hydrogenation reaction is not critical since, after hydrogenation, the resulting polymer will contain substantially no crystallinity.

In all embodiments of the invention, mixtures of dienes of formulae (1) or (3) may be used to prepare block copolymers (I)_(x) --(B)_(y) or any of the random copolymers or star-branched block and random polymers of the invention. Similarly, mixtures of aryl-substituted olefins may also be used to prepare block, random, or star-branched copolymers of this invention. Accordingly, whenever a reference is made herein to a diene of formulae (1) or (3), or to an aryl-substituted olefin, it may encompass more than one diene of formulae (1) or (3), respectively, and more than one aryl-substituted olefin.

The block copolymers of this invention comprise two or more alternating blocks, identified above. Linear block copolymers having two blocks and block copolymers having three or more blocks are contemplated herein. However, star-branched block polymers containing any combination and number of blocks (I) and (B), or (P) and (B), are also contemplated herein.

The block polymers useful according to the invention typically include at least one block which is substantially completely saturated, while also including at least one block containing controlled levels of unsaturation providing a hydrocarbon elastomer with selectively positioned unsaturation for subsequent functionalization. For the copolymers prepared from two different conjugated dienes, it has been found the that two dienes in the copolymers hydrogenate at different rates, permitting selective control of the placement of residual unsaturation. For copolymers prepared from a ring-substituted styrene and a conjugated diene, it has been found that aromatic unsaturation and the olefinic unsaturation hydrogenate at different rates, again permitting control and placement of the residual unsaturation.

Many variations in composition, molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, relative block lengths, microstructure, branching, and T_(g) (glass transition temperature) attainable with the use of anionic techniques employed in the preparation of our polymers will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

While not wishing to limit the molecular weight range of liquid elastomers prepared according to our invention, the minimum molecular weight for these liquid polymers is at least about 2,000, preferably about 2,000 to about 1,000,000, and most preferably about 5,000 to about 500,000. The star-branched block and random copolymers and homopolymers of this invention may have substantially higher molecular weights and still retain liquid properties. The block copolymers of this invention are functionalizable. Without wishing to be bound by any theory of operability, it is believed that they can be functionalized in a controlled manner through the unsaturated groups on the terminal blocks to provide dispersants and dispersant VI improvers having almost uniform distribution of molecular weights. The star-branched and linear versions of the random copolymers and homopolymers of this invention are also functionalizable.

All numerical values of molecular weight given in this specification and the drawings are of number average molecular weight (M_(n)).

The invention will be described hereinafter in terms of the embodiments thereof summarized above. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the invention is not limited to these particular embodiments, but, rather, it covers all the embodiments encompassed by the broadest scope of the description of the invention.

Copolymers From at Least Two Dissimilar Conjugated Dienes

In this embodiment of the invention, there are provided copolymers of two dissimilar conjugated dienes, preferably isoprene and 1,3-butadiene. The two monomers can be polymerized by anionic polymerization process in either a block, tapered block, or random fashion.

The copolymers of this embodiment include a first conjugated diene having at least five (5) carbon atoms and the following formula: ##STR11## wherein R¹ -R⁶ are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that at least one of R¹ -R⁶ is a hydrocarbyl group, and further provided that, when polymerized, the structure of the double bond in the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (1) has the following formula: ##STR12## wherein R^(I), R^(II), R^(III) and R^(IV) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that either both R^(I) and R^(II) are hydrocarbyl groups or both R^(III) and R^(IV) are hydrocarbyl groups. In the double bond of the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (2), R^(I), R^(II), R^(III) and R^(IV) may all be hydrocarbyl groups.

The polymers of this embodiment also include a second conjugated diene, different from the first conjugated diene, having at least four (4) carbon atoms and the following formula: ##STR13## wherein R⁷ -R¹² are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that the structure of the double bond in the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (3) has the following formula: ##STR14## wherein R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII) and R^(VIII) are each hydrogen (H) or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that one of R^(V) or R^(VI) is hydrogen, one of R^(VII) or R^(VIII) is hydrogen, and at least one of R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII) and R^(VIII) is a hydrocarbyl group.

Following polymerization the diene copolymer of this embodiment is preferably functionalized by a method which includes selectively hydrogenating the copolymer to provide a selectively hydrogenated copolymer, followed by functionalizing the selectively hydrogenated copolymer to provide a functionalized copolymer having at least one polar functional group.

The polymers of this embodiment include a first conjugated diene of formula (1) in an amount of from about 0.5% wt. to about 25% wt., and a second conjugated diene in an amount of from about 75% wt. to about 99.5% wt. Preferably, a first conjugated diene is included in an amount of from about 1% wt. to about 20% wt., and a second conjugated diene in an amount of from about 80% to about 99% wt. More preferably, a first conjugated diene is included in an amount of from about 5% wt. to about 15% wt., and a second conjugated diene is included in an amount of from about 85% to about 95% wt.

The polymers of this embodiment include block copolymers having at least two alternating blocks:

    (I).sub.x --(B).sub.y or (B).sub.y --(I).sub.x.

In this case, the polymer includes at least one block (I). The block (I) is a block of at least one polymerized conjugated diene of formula (1) as described above. These block copolymers also include at least one polymerized block (B). The block (B) is a block of at least one polymerized conjugated diene of formula (3) described above.

In the block copolymers of this embodiment, x is at least 1, preferably from about 1 to about 600, and most preferably from about 1 to about 350. The above definition of x means that each of the (I) blocks is polymerized from at least 1, preferably about 1-600, and more preferably about 1-350, monomer units.

In the block copolymers of this embodiment, y is at least 25, preferably from about 30 to about 4,000, more preferably from about 30 to about 2,800. The above definition of y means that each of the (B) blocks is polymerized from at least 25, preferably about 30-4,000, and more preferably about 30-2,800, monomer units.

The block copolymer comprises about 0.5 to about 25%, preferably about 1 to about 5% by wt. of the (I) blocks, and about 75 to about 99.5%, preferably about 95 to about 99% by wt. of the (B) blocks.

In any of the copolymers of this embodiment, the structures of the double bonds defined by formulae (2) and (4) are necessary to produce copolymers which can be selectively hydrogenated in the manner described herein, to produce the selectively hydrogenated block and random copolymers of this invention.

The hydrocarbyl group or groups in the formulae (1) and (2) are the same or different and they are substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, alkaryl, or aralkyl groups, or any isomers thereof. Suitable hydrocarbyl groups are alkyls of 1-20 carbon atoms, alkenyls of 1-20 carbon atoms, cycloalkyls of 5-20 carbon atoms, aryls of 6-12 carbon atoms, alkaryls of 7-20 carbon atoms or aralkyls of 7-20 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, decyl, methyl-decyl or dimethyl-decyl. Examples of suitable alkenyl groups are ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl or hexenyl. Examples of suitable cycloalkyl groups are cyclohexyl or methylcyclohexyl. Examples of suitable cycloalkenyl groups are 1-, 2-, or 3-cyclohexenyl or 4-methyl-2-cyclohexenyl. Examples of suitable aryl groups are phenyl or diphenyl. Examples of suitable alkaryl groups are 4-methyl-phenyl (p-tolyl) or p-ethyl-phenyl. Examples of suitable aralkyl groups are benzyl or phenethyl. Suitable conjugated dienes of formula (1) used to polymerize the (I) block are isoprene, 2,3-dimethyl-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, myrcene, 3-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 2-phenyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-phenyl-1,3-pentadiene, 3-phenyl-1,3 pentadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-pentadiene, 2-hexyl-1,3-butadiene, 3-methyl-1,3-hexadiene, 2-benzyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-p-tolyl-1,3-butadiene, or mixtures thereof, preferably isoprene, myrcene, 2,3-dimethyl-butadiene, or 2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, and most preferably isoprene.

The hydrocarbyl group or groups in the formula (3) may or may not be the same as those in formula (4). These hydrocarbyl groups are the same as those described above in conjunction with the discussion of the hydrocarbyl groups of formulae (1) and (2). Suitable monomers for the (B) block are 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 2,4-hexadiene, 1,3-hexadiene, 1,3-heptadiene, 2,4-heptadiene, 1,3-octadiene, 2,4-octadiene, 3,5-octadiene, 1,3-nonadiene, 2,4-nonadiene, 3,5-nonadiene, 1,3-decadiene, 2,4-decadiene, 3,5-decadiene, or mixtures thereof, preferably 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 2,4-hexadiene, or 1,3-hexadiene, and most preferably it is 1,3-butadiene. It is generally preferred that each of the (B) blocks is polymerized from a single monomer.

The scope of this embodiment, and of any other embodiments of the invention wherein the block (B) is used, also encompasses polymers wherein the block (B) may comprise copolymers of one or more conjugated diene of formula (3) and controlled amounts (about 0.3 to about 30 mole %) of an aryl-substituted olefin, e.g., styrene or other suitable monomers (such as alkylated styrene, vinyl naphthalene, or alkylated vinyl naphthalene) incorporated for control of glass transition temperature (T_(g)), density, solubility parameters and refractive index. Suitable aryl-substituted olefins are those described below in conjunction with another of the embodiments of the invention. Similarly, the scope of this embodiment also encompasses polymers wherein the block (B) may be comprised of copolymers of one or more conjugated diene of formula (3) and any other anionically polymerizable monomer capable of polymerizing with the conjugated diene of formula (3). Similar considerations also apply in the case of the (I) block(s), which can include similar styrene/diene copolymers.

The copolymer is polymerized by any conventional copolymerization process, preferably anionic polymerization, discussed in detail below. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the block copolymer of this embodiment contains at least two alternating blocks, (I)-(B) or (B)-(I), referred to herein as diblocks. The block copolymer of this embodiment may contain three alternating blocks, e.g., (I)-(B)-(I), referred to herein as triblocks or triblock units, but it may contain an unlimited number of blocks. The functionalization of any of these copolymers is conducted in a conventional manner and is described below.

After the (I)-(B) copolymer is polymerized, it is subjected to a selective hydrogenation reaction during which the polymerized conjugated dienes of formula (3) of the copolymer are selectively hydrogenated to such an extent that they contain substantially none of the original unsaturation, while the polymerized conjugated dienes of formula (1) of the copolymer retain a sufficient amount of their original unsaturation to permit functionalization.

Generally, for a copolymer wherein the conjugated dienes of formulae (1) and (3) are polymerized to provide unsaturation of formulae (2) and (4), respectively, as discussed above, the Iodine Number for the unsaturation of formula (2) after the selective hydrogenation reaction is from about 20% to about 100%, preferably from about 50% to about 100%, and most preferably about 100%, of the Iodine Number prior to the selective hydrogenation reaction; and for the unsaturation of formula (4) it is from about 0% to about 10%, preferably from about 0% to about 0.5%, and most preferably from about 0% to about 0.2%, of the Iodine Number prior to the selective hydrogenation reaction. The Iodine Number, as is known to those skilled in the art, is defined as the theoretical number of grams of iodine which will add to the unsaturation in 100 grams of olefin and is a quantitative measure of unsaturation.

In this embodiment of the invention, although the microstructure of the (I) blocks is not critical and may consist of 1,2-, 3,4- and/or 1,4-units, schematically represented below for the polyisoprene blocks, when a polar compound is used during the polymerization of the (I) block, the (I) blocks comprise primarily (at least about 50% wt.) 3,4-units, the rest being primarily (less than about 50% wt.) 1,4-units; when the polar compound is not used during the polymerization of the (I) block, the (I) blocks comprise primarily (about 80% wt.) 1,4-units, the rest being primarily 1,2- and 3,4- units. ##STR15##

The microstructure of the (B) blocks, when the predominant monomer used to polymerize the (B) blocks is 1,3-butadiene, should be a mixture of 1,4- and 1,2- units schematically shown below for the polybutadiene blocks: ##STR16## since the hydrogenation of the predominantly 1,4-microstructure produces a crystalline polyethylene segment. The microstructure of the (I) and (B) blocks (as well as of the polymerized conjugated dienes of formulae (1) or (3) in any polymers of this invention) is controlled in a conventional manner, e.g., by controlling the amount and nature of the polar compounds used during the polymerization reaction, and the reaction temperature. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the (B) block contains about 50% of the 1,2- and about 50% of the 1,4-microstructure. If the (B) block is poly-1,3-butadiene, the hydrogenation of the (B) segment containing from about 50% to about 60% of the 1,2-microstructure content produces an elastomeric center block which is substantially an ethylene-butene-1 copolymer having substantially no crystallinity. If the (B) block is polymerized from 1,3-pentadiene, it is preferred that it have predominantly (at least 50%) of 1,4-microstructure which, after hydrogenation, produces a substantially non-crystalline elastomeric block.

The terms "1,2-", "1,4-", and "3,4-microstructure" or "units" as used in this application refer to the products of polymerization obtained by the 1,2-, 1,4- and 3,4-, respectively, mode of addition of monomer units.

We surprisingly discovered that the polymerized conjugated dienes of formula (3), e.g., the dienes employed in (B) blocks, of the polymers of this invention are selectively hydrogenated in our hydrogenation process much faster than the polymerized conjugated dienes of formula (1), e.g., the dienes used in the (I) blocks. This is not evident from the teachings of Falk, discussed above, because Falk teaches that double bonds of the di-substituted 1,4-polybutadiene units are hydrogenated selectively in the presence of double bonds of the tri-substituted 1,4-polyisoprene units (which hydrogenate very slowly). We surprisingly discovered that the di-substituted double bonds of the 1,4-polybutadiene units are hydrogenated along with the monosubstituted double bonds of the 1,2-polybutadiene units, while the di-substituted double bonds of the 3,4-polyisoprene units are hydrogenated at a much slower rate than the aforementioned polybutadienes. Thus, in view of Falk's disclosure it is surprising that the di-substituted double bonds of the 1,4-polybutadiene units are hydrogenated selectively in the presence of the di-substituted double bonds of the 3,4-polyisoprene units. This is also surprising in view of the teachings of Hoxmeier, Published European Patent Application, Publication No. 0 315 280, who discloses that the di-substituted double bonds of the 1,4-polybutadiene units, monosubstituted double bonds of the 1,2-polybutadiene units and di-substituted double bonds of the 3,4-polyisoprene units are hydrogenated simultaneously at substantially the same rates. For example, for the block copolymers of this invention, wherein the (I) block is polyisoprene and the (B) block is polybutadiene, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis of selectively hydrogenated block copolymers of the invention, such as I-B-I triblock polymers, indicates that the hydrogenation of the double bonds of the 1,2-polybutadiene units proceeds most rapidly, followed by the hydrogenation of the double bonds of the 1,4-polybutadiene units. Infrared absorptions caused by these groups disappear prior to appreciable hydrogenation of the polyisoprene units.

Accordingly, by controlling the amount and placement of 1,2-versus 1,4-microstructure, as well as the amount and placement of polyisoprene units, it is now possible to control the amount and placement of unsaturation remaining in the polymers after hydrogenation. It follows that the amount and placement of functionalization of the polymeric dispersants of the invention is also controllable to an extent not possible previously.

After the block copolymer is prepared, it is subject to a selective hydrogenation reaction to hydrogenate primarily the (B) block(s). The selective hydrogenation reaction and the catalyst are described in detail below. After the hydrogenation reaction is completed, the selective hydrogenation catalyst is removed from the block copolymer, and the polymer is isolated by conventional procedures, e.g., alcohol flocculation, steam stripping of solvent, or non-aqueous solvent evaporation. An antioxidant, e.g., Irganox 1076 (from Ciba-Geigy), is normally added to the polymer solution prior to polymer isolation.

Copolymers of a Ring-Substituted Styrene and a Conjugated Diene

The present invention also includes copolymers that are prepared from at least one ring-substituted styrene and at least one conjugated diene, preferably p-methylstyrene and 1,3-butadiene. More specifically, the materials are generated by anionically polymerizing a ring-substituted styrene and a conjugated diene. The monomers can be polymerized either in block, tapered block, or random fashion. For a random distribution of the ring-substituted styrene, it is necessary to polymerize the two monomers in the presence of a substantial quantity of a polar modifier or to slowly add the diene to polymerizing ring-substituted styrene.

The scope of this embodiment includes polymers which include a ring-substituted styrene having at least one benzylic hydrogen and possessing the formula: ##STR17## wherein n=1-5, and R^(A) and R^(B) are independently hydrogen or an alkyl group. Preferably, n=1-3, more preferably n=1. The ring-substituted styrene is preferably selected from p-alkylstyrenes, such as vinyl toluenes, vinyl xylenes, methylstyrenes, ethylstyrenes, propylstyrenes, isopropylstyrenes, or sec-butylstyrenes, or benzyl styrenes; or a mixture thereof. Most preferably the ring-substituted styrene includes p-methylstyrene.

The conjugated diene in this embodiment may be selected from among the dienes having formula (1) or (3) as described elsewhere herein. Most preferably, the conjugated diene includes 1,3-butadiene.

Following polymerization the diene copolymer is preferably functionalized by a method which includes selectively hydrogenating the copolymer to provide a selectively hydrogenated copolymer, followed by functionalizing the selectively hydrogenated copolymer to provide a functionalized copolymer having at least one polar functional group.

The polymers of this embodiment preferably include a ring-substituted styrene in an amount of from about 0.5% wt. to about 25% wt., and a conjugated diene in an amount of from about 75% wt. to about 99.5% wt. More preferably, a ring-substituted styrene is included in an amount of from about 5% wt. to about 15% wt., and a conjugated diene in an amount of from about 85% to about 95% wt.

This embodiment includes block copolymers of a ring-substituted styrene and a conjugated diene, wherein the block copolymer includes at least two alternating blocks:

    (P).sub.x --(B).sub.y

wherein the block (P) includes at least one polymerized ring-substituted styrene of formula (5) defined above, and the block (B) includes at least one polymerized conjugated diene of formula (1) or (3).

Preferably, in the block copolymers of this embodiment, x is from about 1 to about 600, and y is from about 30 to about 4,000, more preferably x is from about 1 to about 350, and y is from about 30 to about 2,800.

These copolymers, whether random, block or tapered block, linear, branched or star-branched, are preferably selectively hydrogenated according to the methods described elsewhere herein. The selective hydrogenation process operates to hydrogenate the original olefinic unsaturation in a controllable fashion, leaving the polymer with a selected amount of residual aromatic unsaturation. The selection of the conjugated diene in the polymer serves as a basis for controlling the rate and extent of hydrogenation of the polymer. Following hydrogenation, the Iodine Number of these polymers is from about 0% to about 1%, preferably from about 0% to about 0.4%, and more preferably from about 0% to about 0.1%, and most preferably about 0%, of the Iodine Number prior to the hydrogenation procedure.

The aromatic unsaturation, by contrast is preferably substantially retained following the selective hydrogenation. Preferably, following selective hydrogenation the polymer retains at least about 50% of its original aromatic unsaturation. More preferably, following selective hydrogenation the copolymer retains at least about 90% of its original aromatic unsaturation.

This embodiment also includes functionalized versions of the ring-substituted styrene-conjugated diene copolymers described above. Functionality-introducing reactions, preferably halogenation, followed by reaction with an amine or a polyamine, are carried out on the copolymers in a separate post-hydrogenation step.

Random Copolymers

Random copolymers of this invention have controlled amounts of unsaturation incorporated randomly in an otherwise saturated backbone. In contrast to EPDM, the level of unsaturation can be inexpensively and easily controlled, e.g., to produce polymers having Iodine Number of from about 5 to about 100, to provide a wide variation in the degree of functionalization.

In one embodiment, the random copolymers are polymerized from the same monomers used to polymerize the block copolymers (I)_(x) --(B)_(y), described elsewhere herein. In particular, the random copolymers may be made by polymerizing at least one conjugated diene of formula (1) with at least one conjugated diene of formula (3), both defined above, provided that the diene of formula (1) is different from the diene of formula (3). This random copolymer contains from about 1.0% to about 40%, preferably from about 1.0% to about 20%, by mole of the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (1) and from about 60% to about 99%, preferably from about 80% to about 99% by mole of the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (3). Suitable conjugated dienes of formula (1) are exemplified above. The most preferred conjugated diene of formula (1) for the copolymerization of these random copolymers is isoprene. Suitable conjugated dienes of formula (3) are also exemplified above. 1,3-butadiene is the most preferred conjugated diene of formula (3) for the polymerization of the random copolymer of this embodiment. Thus, most preferably, in this embodiment, the random copolymer is polymerized from isoprene and 1,3-butadiene, and it contains from about 1% wt. to about 20% wt. of the isoprene units and from about 80% wt. to about 99% wt. of the butadiene units. The isoprene units have primarily (i.e., from about 50% wt. to about 90% wt.) the 3,4-microstructure.

In another embodiment, the random copolymers are polymerized from the same monomers used to polymerize the block copolymers (P)_(x) --(B)_(y), described elsewhere herein. In this case, the random copolymers are made by polymerizing at least one ring-substituted styrene and at least one conjugated diene of formulae (1) or (3). The polymers of this embodiment preferably include a ring-substituted styrene in an amount of from about 0.5% wt. to about 25% wt., and a conjugated diene in an amount of from about 75% wt. to about 99.5% wt. More preferably, a ring-substituted styrene is included in an amount of from about 5% wt. to about 15% wt., and a conjugated diene in an amount of from about 85% to about 95% wt.

The random copolymers are subjected to the selective hydrogenation reaction discussed above for the block copolymers, during which polymerized conjugated diene units of formulae (1) or (3) are substantially completely hydrogenated, while the aromatic unsaturation is hydrogenated to a substantially lesser extent, i.e., to such an extent that they retain a sufficient amount of their original unsaturation to functionalize the copolymer, thereby producing dispersants and dispersant VI improvers having random unsaturation proportional to the unsaturation in the polymerized dienes of formula (1). For example, for random copolymer polymerized from a diene of formula (1) and a different diene of formula (3), the Iodine Number before selective hydrogenation for the polymer is about 450. After selective hydrogenation, the Iodine Number for the polymer is from about 10 to about 50, with most of the unsaturation being contributed by the diene of formula (1).

The hydrogenated polymers may be functionalized. The degree of functionalization of the polymers can be easily and inexpensively increased by increasing the content of the diene of formula (1), i.e., isoprene in the most preferred embodiment, in either embodiment of the random copolymers to from about 5% to about 20% by mole.

Star-Branched Polymers

The invention is also directed to star-branched block and random polymers. The star-branched block polymers are made from any combination of blocks (I) and (B) and (P), all defined above.

The star-branched (I)-(B) block polymers comprise from about 0.5% wt. to about 25% wt., preferably from about 1% wt. to about 5% wt., of the (I) blocks, and from about 75% wt. to about 99.5% wt., preferably from about 95% wt. to about 99% wt., of the (B) blocks.

The star-branched (P)-(B) block polymers comprise from about 0.5% wt. to about 25% wt., preferably from about 1% wt. to about 5% wt., of the (P) blocks, and from about 75% wt. to about 99.5% wt., preferably from about 95% wt. to about 99% wt., of the (B) blocks.

The star-branched block polymers are selectively hydrogenated in the selective hydrogenation process of this invention to such an extent that blocks (B) contain substantially none of the original unsaturation, while each of the blocks (I) respectively, retains a sufficient amount of the original unsaturation of the conjugated dienes present in these blocks to functionalize the star-branched block polymers. Thus, for the I-(B) star-branched block polymer, after the selective hydrogenation reaction, the Iodine Number for the (I) blocks is from about 10% to about 100%, preferably from about 25% to about 100%, more preferably from about 50% to about 100%, and most preferably about 100%, of the Iodine Number prior to the selective hydrogenation reaction; and for the (B) blocks it is from about 0% to about 10%, preferably from about 0% to about 0.5%, of the Iodine Number prior to the selective hydrogenation reaction.

Similarly, for the (P)-(B) star-branched block polymer, after the selective hydrogenation reaction, the Iodine Number for the (B) blocks is from about 0% to about 1%, preferably from about 0% to about 0.5%, and most preferably 0%, of the Iodine Number prior to the selective hydrogenation reaction. The (P) blocks preferably retain as much aromatic unsaturation as possible following hydrogenation. Preferably, the (P) block retain at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 90%, and most preferably about 100%, or their original aromatic unsaturation.

The star-branched random polymers are made from any combination of at least one diene of formula (1) and at least one diene of formula (3), different from the diene of formula (1), or from any combination of at least one ring-substituted styrene and at least one diene of formulae (1) or (3), all of which are the same as those discussed above. The star-branched random polymers of the dienes of formulae (1) and (3), which must be different from each other, comprise from about 1% wt. to about 25% wt., preferably from about 1% wt. to about 10% wt., of the diene of formula (1), and from about 75% wt. to about 99% wt., preferably from about 90% wt. to about 99% wt., of the diene of formula (3). The star-branched random polymers of the ring-substituted styrene and the diene of formulae (1) or (3) comprise from about 1% wt. to about 25% wt., preferably from about 1% wt. to about 10% wt., of the ring-substituted styrene, and from about 75% wt. to about 99% wt., preferably from about 90% wt. to about 99% wt., of the diene of formulae (1) or (3).

The star-branched random diene polymers are also selectively hydrogenated in the selective hydrogenation process of this invention to such an extent that the polymerized dienes of formula (3) contain substantially none of the original unsaturation, while the polymerized dienes of formula (1) retain a sufficient amount of the original unsaturation to functionalize the star-branched random polymers. Thus, for the star-branched random polymer of the conjugated diene of formula (1) and a different diene of formula (3), both identified above, the Iodine Number for the polymerized diene of formula (1), after the selective hydrogenation reaction, is from about 10% to about 100%, preferably from about 25% to about 100%, more preferably from about 50% to about 100%, and most preferably about 100%, of the Iodine Number prior to the selective hydrogenation reaction; and for the polymerized diene of formula (3) it is from about 0% to about 10%, preferably from about 0% to about 0.5%, of the Iodine Number prior to the selective hydrogenation reaction.

Homopolymers of a Conjugated Diene

The invention is further directed to diene homopolymers which have been partially hydrogenated such that they possess an iodine number of 1-150, preferably 2-100. The residual unsaturation is used to incorporate polar functionality along the backbone of the polymer. These functionalized materials may be used as lubricant additives. Functionalization may be accomplished as described herein, preferably by reacting with an unsaturated carboxylic acid derivative via the ene reaction or via a radical addition. The acylated polymer is preferably then further modified by being reacted with a monamine or a polyamine. Other modification methods such as halogenation, epoxidation, hydroxylation, and the like, may be used.

The homopolymers and random copolymers of the invention are polymerized and/or coupled in a similar fashion, but all monomers, e.g., isoprene and butadiene, are mixed in a proper ratio prior to the reaction with the polar compound-modified alkyl-lithium. In homopolymer and random polymer preparation, of course, only one stage is necessary.

Polymerization Reaction

The polymers of this invention are polymerized by any known polymerization processes, preferably by an anionic polymerization process. Anionic polymerization is well known in the art and it is utilized in the production of a variety of commercial polymers. An excellent comprehensive review of the anionic polymerization processes appears in the text Advances in Polymer Science 56, "Anionic Polymerization", pp. 1-90, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, Tokyo 1984 in a monograph entitled Anionic Polymerization of Non-polar Monomers Involving Lithium, by R. N. Young, R. P. Quirk and L. J. Fetters, incorporated herein by reference. The anionic polymerization process is conducted in the presence of a suitable anionic catalyst (also known as an initiator), such as n-butyl-lithium, sec-butyl-lithium, t-butyl-lithium, sodium naphthalide or, cumyl potassium. The amount of the catalyst and the amount of the monomer in the polymerization reaction dictate the molecular weight of the polymer. The polymerization reaction is conducted in solution using an inert solvent as the polymerization medium, e.g., aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as hexane, cyclohexane, or heptane, or aromatic solvents, such as benzene or toluene. In certain instances, inert polar solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran, can be used alone as a solvent, or in a mixture with a hydrocarbon solvent.

The polymerization process will be exemplified below for the polymerization of one of the embodiments of the invention, and specifically for the preferred embodiment thereof, i.e., a triblock of polyisoprene-polybutadiene-polyisoprene. However, ill will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same process principles can be used for the polymerization of all polymers of the invention.

The process, when using a lithium-based catalyst, comprises forming a solution of the isoprene monomer in an inert hydrocarbon solvent, such as cyclohexane, modified by the presence therein of one or more polar compounds selected from the group consisting of ethers, thioethers, and tertiary amines, e.g., tetrahydrofuran. The polar compounds are necessary to control the microstructure of the butadiene center block, i.e., the content of the 1,2-structure thereof. The higher the content of the polar compounds, the higher will be the content of the 1,2-structure in these blocks. Since the presence of the polar compound is not essential in the formation of the first polymer block with many initiators unless a high 3,4-structure content of the first block is desired, it is not necessary to introduce the polar compound at this stage, since it may be introduced just prior to or together with the addition of the butadiene in the second polymerization stage. Examples of polar compounds which may be used are dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, ethyl methyl ether, ethyl propyl ether, dioxane, diphenyl ether, dipropyl ether, tripropyl amine, tributyl amine, trimethyl amine, triethyl amine, and N-N-N'-N'-tetramethyl ethylene diamine. Mixtures of the polar compounds may also be used. The amount of the polar compound depends on the type of the polar compound and the polymerization conditions as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The effect of polar compounds on the polybutadiene microstructure is detailed in Antkowiak et al., "Temperature and Concentration Effects on Polar-modified Alkyl Lithium Polymerizations and Copolymerizations," Journal of Polymer Science: Part A-1, 10:1319-34 (1972), incorporated herein by reference. The polar compounds also accelerate the rate of polymerization. If monomers other than 1,3-butadiene, e.g., pentadiene, are used to polymerize the central blocks (B), polar compounds are not necessary to control the microstructure because such monomers will inherently produce polymers which do not possess crystallinity after hydrogenation.

When the alkyl lithium-based initiator, a polar compound and an isoprene monomer are combined in an inert solvent, polymerization of the isoprene proceeds to produce the first terminal block whose molecular weight is determined by the ratio of the isoprene to the initiator. The "living" polyisoprenyl anion formed in this first step is utilized as the catalyst for further polymerization. At this time, butadiene monomer is introduced into the system and block polymerization of the second block proceeds, the presence of the polar compound now influencing the desired degree of branching (1,2-structure) in the polybutadiene block. The resulting product is a living diblock polymer having a terminal anion and a lithium counterion. The living diblock polymer serves as a catalyst for the growth of the final isoprene block, formed when isoprene monomer is again added to the reaction vessel to produce the final polymer block, resulting in the formation of the I-B-I triblock. Upon completion of polymerization, the living anion, now present at the terminus of the triblock, is destroyed by the addition of a proton donor, such as methyl alcohol or acetic acid. The polymerization reaction is usually conducted at a temperature of between about 0° C. and about 100° C., although higher temperatures can be used. Control of a chosen reaction temperature is desirable since it can influence the effectiveness of the polar compound additive in controlling the polymer microstructure. The reaction temperature can be, for example, from about 50° C. to about 80° C. The reaction pressure is not critical and varies from about atmospheric to about 100 psig.

If the polar compounds are utilized prior to the polymerization of the first (I) segment, (I) blocks with high 3,4-unit content are formed. If polar compounds (some of which can be Lewis bases) are added after the initial (I) segment is prepared, the first (I) segment will possess a high percentage of 1,4-microstructure (which is tri-substituted), and the second (I) segment will have a high percentage of 3,4-microstructure.

The production of triblock polymers having a high 1,4-unit content on both of the terminal (I) blocks is also possible by the use of coupling techniques illustrated below for a polyisoprene-polybutadiene-polyisoprene block copolymer: ##STR18##

The substitution of myrcene for the isoprene during the polymerization of the (I) blocks insures the incorporation of a high proportion of tri-substituted double bonds, even in the presence of polar compounds since myrcene contains a pendant tri-substituted double bond which is not involved in the polymerization process. In a coupling process, similar to that described above, block polymers containing polyisoprene end blocks (or any other polymerized monomer suitable for use in the (I) block) having a high 3,4-microstructure content can be obtained by adding the polar compound prior to the isoprene (or another monomer) polymerization.

The use of the coupling technique for the production of triblock polymers reduces the reaction time necessary for the completion of polymerization, as compared to sequential addition of isoprene, followed by butadiene, followed by isoprene. Such coupling techniques are well known and utilize coupling agents, such as esters, CO₂, iodine, dihaloalkanes, silicon tetrachloride, divinyl benzene, alkyl trichlorosilanes and dialkyl dichlorosilanes. The use of tri- or tetra-functional coupling agents, such as alkyl trichlorosilanes or silicon tetrachloride, permits the formation of macromolecules having 1- or 2- main chain branches, respectively. The addition of divinyl benzene as a coupling agent has been documented to produce molecules having up to 20 or more separately joined segments.

The use of some of the coupling agents provides a convenient means of producing star-branched block and random polymers. The star-branched block polymers are made from any combination of blocks (I) and (B), or (P) and (B), defined above. The star-branched random polymers are made from any combination of at least one diene of formula (1) and at least one diene of formula (3), different from the diene of formula (1), or from at least one aryl-substituted olefin, at least one diene of formula (1) and at least one diene of formula (3), different from the diene of formula (1). The molecular weight of the star-branched block and random copolymers will depend on the number of branches in each such copolymer, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Suitable coupling agents and reactions are disclosed in the following references which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,949,020; 3,594,452; 3,598,8137; 3,465,065; 3,078,254; 3,766,301; 3,632,682; 3,668,279; and Great Britain patents 1,014,999; 1,074,276; 1,121,978.

Selective Hydrogenation

Following polymerization, selective hydrogenation of the polymer may be accomplished using techniques similar to those known in the art. A preferred method and catalyst are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,236, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The procedure and catalyst are described in greater detail below. In general, however, the previously described polymers can be contacted with hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst synthesized from a transition metal compound, typically nickel or cobalt, and a organometallic reducing agent, e.g., triethylaluminum. The hydrogenation proceeds at temperatures typically not in excess of about 40° C. and at pressures of from about 30 psi to about 200 psi. Generally, the polymers are hydrogenated such that substantially all of the unsaturation in formula (2) is removed, while much of that from formula (4) is retained. Alternatively, if it is desirable to functionalize one of the copolymers in a combined VI improver so as to provide the polymer with a secondary trait, e.g., antioxidancy or dispersancy, a selective hydrogenation may be performed leaving residual vinylidene or tri-substituted olefins from the isoprene which can later be modified. Any other known selective hydrogenation methods may be used, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, but the method described above is one which is preferred.

The selective hydrogenation reaction will also be described below using a triblock of polyisoprene-polybutadiene-polyisoprene as an example. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any polymers of this invention can be selectively hydrogenated in the same manner.

The block copolymer is selectively hydrogenated to saturate the middle (polybutadiene) block of each of the triblocks. The method of selectively hydrogenating the polybutadiene block is similar to that of Falk, "Coordination Catalysts for the Selective Hydrogenation of Polymeric Unsaturation", Journal of Polymer Science: Part A-1, 9:2617-23 (1971), but it is conducted with a novel hydrogenation catalyst and process used herein. Any other known selective hydrogenation methods may also be used, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, but it is preferred to use the method described herein. In summary, the selective hydrogenation method preferably used herein comprises contacting the previously-prepared block copolymer with hydrogen in the presence of the novel catalyst composition.

The novel hydrogenation catalyst composition and hydrogenation process are described in detail in previously cited Application Ser. No. 07/466,136. The hydrogenation catalyst composition is synthesized from at least one transition metal compound and an organometallic reducing agent. Suitable transition metal compounds are compounds of metals of Group IVb, Vb, VIb or VIII, preferably IVb or VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements, published in Lange's Handbook of Chemistry, 13th Ed., McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York (1985) (John A. Dean, ed.). Non-limiting examples of such compounds are metal halides, e.g., titanium tetrachloride, vanadium tetrachloride; vanadium oxytrichloride, titanium and vanadium alkoxides, wherein the alkoxide moiety has a branched or unbranched alkyl radical of 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. Preferred transition metal compounds are metal carboxylates or alkoxides of Group IVb or VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements, such as nickel (II) 2-ethylhexanoate, titanium isopropoxide, cobalt (II) octoate, nickel (II) phenoxide and ferric acetylacetonate.

The organometallic reducing agent is any one or a combination of any of the materials commonly employed to activate Ziegler-Natta olefin polymerization catalyst components containing at least one compound of the elements of Groups Ia, IIa, IIb, IIIa, or IVa of the Periodic Table of the Elements. Examples of such reducing agents are metal alkyls, metal hydrides, alkyl metal hydrides, alkyl metal halides, and alkyl metal alkoxides, such as alkyllithium compounds, dialkylzinc compounds, trialkylboron compounds, trialkylaliminum compounds, alkylaluminum halides and hydrides, and tetraalkylgermanium compounds. Mixtures of the reducing agents may also be employed. Specific examples of useful reducing agents include n-butyllithium, diethylzinc, di-n-propylzinc, triethylboron, diethylaluminumethoxide, triethylaluminum, trimethylaluminum, triisobutylaluminum, tri-n-hexylaluminum, ethylaluminum dichloride, dibromide, and dihydride, isobutyl aluminum dichloride, dibromide, and dihydride, diethylaluminum chloride, bromide, and hydride, di-n-propylaluminum chloride, bromide, and hydride, diisobutylaluminum chloride, bromide and hydride, tetramethylgermanium, and tetraethylgermanium. Organometallic reducing agents which are preferred are Group IIIa metal alkyls and dialkyl metal halides having 1 to about 20 carbon atoms per alkyl radical. More preferably, the reducing agent is a trialkylaluminum compound having 1 to about 6 carbon atoms per alkyl radical. Other reducing agents which can be used herein are disclosed in Stevens et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,787,384, column 4, line 45 to column 5, line 12 and in Strobel et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,148,754, column 4, line 56 to column 5, line 59, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Particularly preferred reducing agents are metal alkyl or hydride derivatives of a metal selected from Groups Ia, IIa and IIIa of the Periodic Table of the Elements, such as n-butyl lithium, sec-butyl lithium, n-hexyl lithium, phenyl-lithium, triethylaluminum, tri-isobutylaluminum, trimethylaluminum, diethylaluminum hydride and dibutylmagnesium.

The molar ratio of the metal derived from the reducing agent to the metal derived from the transition metal compound will vary for the selected combinations of the reducing agent and the transition metal compound, but in general it is about 1:1 to about 12:1, preferably about 1.5:1 to about 8:1, more preferably about 2:1 to about 7:1, and most preferably about 2.5:1 to about 6:1. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the optimal ratios will vary depending upon the transition metal and the organometallic agent used, e.g., for the trialkylaluminum/nickel(II) systems, the preferred aluminum:nickel molar ratio is about 2.5:1 to about 4:1, for the trialkylaluminum/cobalt(II) systems, the preferred aluminum:cobalt molar ratio is about 3:1 to about 4:1, and for the trialkylaluminum/titanium(IV) alkoxides systems, the preferred aluminum:titanium molar ratio is about 3:1 to about 6:1.

The mode of addition and the ratio of the reducing agent to the transition metal compound are important in the production of the novel hydrogenation catalyst having superior selectivity, efficiency and stability, as compared to prior art catalytic systems. During the synthesis of the catalysts it is preferred to maintain the molar ratio of the reactants used to synthesize the catalyst substantially constant. This can be done either by the addition of the reducing agent, as rapidly as possible, to a solution of the transition metal compound, or by a substantially simultaneous addition of the separate streams of the reducing agent and the transition metal compound to a catalyst synthesis vessel in such a manner that the selected molar ratios of the metal of the reducing agent to the metal of the transition metal compound are maintained substantially constant throughout substantially the entire time of addition of the two compounds. The time required for the addition must be such that excessive pressure and heat build-up are avoided, i.e., the temperature should not exceed about 80° C. and the pressure should not exceed the safe pressure limit of the catalyst synthesis vessel.

In a preferred embodiment, the reducing agent and the transition metal compound are added substantially simultaneously to the catalyst synthesis vessel in such a manner that the selected molar ratio of the reducing agent to the transition metal compound is maintained substantially constant during substantially the entire time of the addition of the two compounds. This preferred embodiment permits the control of the exothermic reaction so that the heat build-up is not excessive, and the rate of gas production during the catalyst synthesis is also non excessive--accordingly, the gas build-up is relatively slow. In this embodiment, carried out with or without a solvent diluent, the rate of addition of the catalyst components is adjusted to maintain the synthesis reaction temperature at or below about 80° C., which promotes the formation of the selective hydrogenation catalyst. Furthermore, the selected molar ratios of the metal of the reducing agent to the metal of the transition metal compound are maintained substantially constant throughout the entire duration of the catalyst preparation when the simultaneous mixing technique of this embodiment is employed.

In another embodiment, the catalyst is formed by the addition of the reducing agent to the transition metal compound. In this embodiment, the timing and the order of addition of the two reactants is important to obtain the hydrogenation catalyst having superior selectivity, efficiency and stability. Thus, in this embodiment, it is important to add the reducing agent to the transition metal compound in that order in as short a time period as practically possible. In this embodiment, the time allotted for the addition of the reducing agent to the transition metal compound is critical for the production of the novel catalyst. The term "as short a time period as practically possible" means that the time of addition is as rapid as possible, such that the reaction temperature is not higher than about 80° C. and the reaction pressure does not exceed the safe pressure limit of the catalyst synthesis vessel. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that time will vary for each synthesis and will depend on such factors as the types of the reducing agents, the transition metal compounds and the solvents used in the synthesis, as well as the relative amounts thereof, and the type of the catalyst synthesis vessel used. For purposes of illustration, a solution of about 15 mL of triethylaluminum in hexane should be added to a solution of nickel(II) octoate in mineral spirits in about 10-30 seconds. Generally, the addition of the reducing agent to the transition metal compound should be carried out in about 5 seconds (sec) to about 5 minutes (min), depending on the quantities of the reagents used. If the time period during which the reducing agent is added to the transition metal compound is prolonged, e.g., more than 15 minutes, the synthesized catalyst is less selective, less stable, and may be heterogeneous.

In the embodiment wherein the reducing agent is added as rapidly as possible to the transition metal compound, it is also important to add the reducing agent to the transition metal compound in the aforementioned sequence to obtain the novel catalyst. The reversal of the addition sequence, i.e., the addition of the transition metal compound to the reducing agent, or the respective solutions thereof, is detrimental to the stability, selectivity, activity, and homogeneity of the catalyst and is, therefore, undesirable.

In all embodiments of the hydrogenation catalyst synthesis, it is preferred to use solutions of the reducing agent and the transition metal compound in suitable solvents, such as hydrocarbon solvents, e.g., cyclohexane, hexane, pentane, heptane, benzene, toluene, or mineral oils. The solvents used to prepare the solutions of the reducing agent and of the transition metal compound may be the same or different, but if they are different, they must be compatible with each other so that the solutions of the reducing agent and the transition metal compound are fully soluble in each other.

The hydrogenation process comprises contacting the unsaturated polymer to be hydrogenated with an amount of the catalyst solution containing about 0.1 to about 0.5, preferably about 0.2 to about 0.3 mole percent of the transition metal based on moles of the polymer unsaturation. The hydrogen partial pressure is generally from about 5 psi to about several hundred psi, but preferably it is from about 10 psi. to about 100 psi. The temperature of the hydrogenation reaction mixture is generally from about 0° C. to about 150° C., preferably from about 25° C. to about 80° C., more preferably from about 30° C. to about 60° C., since higher temperatures may lead to catalyst deactivation. The length of the hydrogenation reaction may be as short as 30 minutes and, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, depends to a great extent on the actual reaction conditions employed. The hydrogenation process may be monitored by any conventional means, e.g., infra-red spectroscopy, hydrogen flow rate, total hydrogen consumption, or any combination thereof.

Upon completion of the hydrogenation process, unreacted hydrogen is either vented or consumed by the introduction of the appropriate amount of an unsaturated material, such as 1-hexene, which is converted to an inert hydrocarbon, e.g., hexane. Subsequently, the catalyst is removed from the resulting polymer solution by any suitable means, selected depending on the particular process and polymer. For a low molecular weight material, for example, catalyst residue removal may consist of a treatment of the solution with an oxidant, such as air, and subsequent treatment with ammonia and optionally methanol in amounts equal to the molar amount of the metals (i.e., the sum of the transition metal and the metal of the reducing agent) present in the hydrogenation catalyst to yield the catalyst residues as a filterable precipitate, which is filtered off. The solvent may then be removed by any conventional methods, such as vacuum stripping, to yield the product polymer as a clear, colorless fluid.

Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment, upon completion of the hydrogenation reaction, the mixture is treated with ammonia in the molar amount about equal to that of the metals (i.e., the sum of the transition metal and the metal of the reducing agent) and aqueous hydrogen peroxide, in the molar amount equal to about one half to about one, preferably one half, of the amount of the metals. Other levels of the ammonia and peroxide are also operative, but those specified above are particularly preferred. In this method, a precipitate forms, which may be filtered off as described above.

In yet another alternative method, the catalyst may be removed by extraction with an aqueous mineral acid, such as sulfuric, phosphoric, or hydrochloric acid, followed by washing with distilled water. A small amount of a material commonly used as an aid in removing transition metal-based catalysts, such as a commercially available high molecular weight diamine, e.g., Jeffamine D-2000 from Texaco, may be added to aid in phase separation and catalyst removal during the extractions. The resultant polymer solution is then dried over a drying agent, such as magnesium sulfate, separated from the drying agent and the solvent is then separated by any conventional methods, such as vacuum stripping, to yield a polymer as a clear fluid. Other methods of polymer isolation, such as steam or alcohol flocculation, may be employed depending upon the hydrogenated polymer properties.

After hydrogenation and purification is complete, the polymer can be functionalized and used in the lubricant compositions of the invention: the liquids will serve as dispersants and the solids as dispersant VI improvers.

Functionalization of the Polymers

The unsaturated terminal blocks of the block polymers of this invention can be chemically modified to provide benefits which enhance the dispersancy and viscosity improving qualities of the materials of the invention. Such benefits may be obtained through methods similar to those employed for the modification of existing commercial materials, such as butyl rubber or EPDM.

Following the selective hydrogenation step, the remaining sites of unsaturation are chemically modified. Such methods include reacting the unsaturated groups in the polymer with any of various reagents to produce functional groups, such as hydroxyl, epoxy, sulfonic acid, mercapto, acrylate or carboxyl groups. Functionalization methods are well known in the art.

A preferred chemical modification method involves reaction of the polymer with an unsaturated carboxylic acid derivative, such as acrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride, methacrylate, and the like. Most preferably, maleic anhydride is used for modification of unsaturation. Numerous methods are known for the modification of polybutene and EPDM via the ene reaction. Methods are also known for the reaction of maleic anhydride with EPM via a radical reaction in the presence of a radical initiator. Either method can be adapted to incorporate the unsaturated carboxylic acid derivatives into the polymeric dispersants of the invention.

In a preferred functionalization of diene copolymers, the selectively hydrogenated copolymer is functionalized with a functional groups selected from among halogens, epoxies, sulfonic acids, and carboxylic acid derivatives, and subsequently modified further by reacting with a monoamine, a polyamine, or a combination thereof.

The ene reaction of maleic anhydride with materials of the invention can be performed on solutions of the polymers in light mineral oil or polyalphaolefin at temperatures of from about 150° C. to about 250° C., typically under an inert atmosphere. Such modification of the polymers of any embodiments of our invention occurs readily, since the residual isoprene unsaturation, primarily of the 3,4-type, illustrated above, is known to be more reactive with maleic anhydride than are the internal bonds found in EPDM.

Other functionality-introducing reactions such as halogenation may be carried out post-hydrogenation. Halogenation, preferably bromination, is made to occur by a radical reaction, wherein, heat, light, or a radical initiator, may be used. Halogenation processes are described, for example, in European Patent Application No. EP 0 344 021.

Subsequent to the acylation reaction (or other suitable modification as outlined above), the modified polymers are reacted with a monoamine, a polyamine, or a combination thereof. The amines which are useful for this modification reaction are characterized by the presence of at least one primary (i.e., H₂ N--) or secondary (i.e., HN=) amino group. The amines can be aliphatic amines, cycloaliphatic amines, heterocyclic amines, aromatic amines, polyamines, or hydroxyamines. Preferably, the polyamines contain only one primary or secondary amine, with the remaining amines being tertiary (i.e., --N=) or aromatic amines. the amination can be accomplished by heating the maleic anhydride-modified diene polymer to about 150° C. in the presence of the amine, followed by stripping off the water.

With respect to polymers of the invention which include ring-substituted styrene units, in order to obtain exclusive substitution at the benzylic position, the polymers should not contain any in-chain (backbone) olefinic unsaturation. Halogenation may be accomplished by methods known in the art, such as the method described in European Patent Application No. EP 0 344 021. Amination can then be accomplished by heating the halogenated ring-substituted styrene-diene copolymer in the presence of the amine.

The above description illustrates only some of the potentially valuable chemical modification of the polymers of this invention. The polymers of this invention provide a means for a wide variety of chemical modifications at selected sites in the polymer, e.g., only at the ends of a triblock polymer molecule (i.e., at the (I) blocks only), thereby presenting the opportunity to prepare materials previously impossible because of the lack of availability of such polymers. Some examples of well known chemical reactions which can be performed on polymers of this invention are found in E. M. Fettes, "Chemical Reactions of Polymers", High Polymers, Vol. 19, John Wiley, New York, (1964), incorporated herein by reference.

Dispersant and VI-Improving Applications

The polymers of the invention, whether block copolymers, tapered block copolymers, branched and star branched polymers, random copolymers, or homopolymers, have been unexpectedly found to have the capacity to modify the dispersancy and/or viscometric properties of fluids, such as mineral and synthetic oil lubricants and normally liquid fuels. Accordingly, it is within the scope of the invention that the dispersant polymers of the invention be employed in dispersant substances which can be added to fluids to modify the dispersancy and/or viscometric properties of the fluids. The invention, thus, also includes a method of modifying or improving the dispersancy and/or viscometric properties of a fluid by admixing with the fluid a sufficient amount of a dispersant substance of the invention so as to obtain or provide a modified or improved fluid having modified or improved dispersancy and/or viscometric properties. Moreover, the invention also includes dispersant-modified or dispersant-improved fluids to which have been added a dispersant substance of the invention so as to modify the dispersancy and/or viscometric properties of the fluid.

The improvement of viscometric properties includes any one or more of the properties of fluids which are related to viscosity. The dispersant VI improvers of the invention specifically improve the viscosity index of such fluids. Viscosity index is a property characterizing the relationship between the viscosity of a fluid and temperature. Improvement in viscosity index is characterized by a decrease in the rate of change of viscosity per unit of temperature change. Typical properties which are modified or improved by the dispersant VI improvers of the invention include relative thickening power (RTP), borderline pumpability, permanent shear stability (DIN), temporary shear stability at low temperatures (CCS), and temporary shear stability at high temperatures (HTHS). Each of these properties can be determined or characterized by conventional methods.

The polymers of the invention may be employed as dispersants and/or dispersant VI improvers in a variety of lubricant fluids. Typically, such fluid is a mineral oil such as a mineral oil lubricant system, e.g., motor oils, automatic transmission fluids, tractor hydraulic fluids, gear oils, aviation oils, and the like. Other suitable applications include normally liquid fuels. The lubricant or fuel may be naturally occurring or synthetic, or a combination thereof. Natural oils include mineral oils obtained from petroleum, including distillate and residual lubricating oils, and the like. Synthetic oils can include liquid esters, fluorocarbons, polyethers, polysilicones, and the like. The dispersants can be added to a lubricant or fuel formulation in any suitable and effective amount to modify the dispersancy and/or viscometric properties of the formulation. An exemplary broad range is from about 0.001% wt. to about 20% wt., preferably from about 0.1% wt. to about 10% wt., more preferably from about 0.5% wt. to about 7% wt., of the formulation.

The polymers of the invention can be supplied neat or as an oil concentrate. Some of the polymers of the invention have cold flow properties, thereby making it difficult to transport such polymers except as a concentrate. However, for ease of handling, the polymers can be prepared as a liquid concentrate. Typically, such dispersant concentrates include a polymer of the invention in an amount of from about 5% wt. to about 90% wt., preferably from about 10% wt. to about 70% wt., of the concentrate.

In addition to the polymers described in this invention, the dispersant formulations and the fluid formulations can further include one or more additional additives known to those skilled in the art. Such additives include, for example, antioxidants, pour point depressants, detergents, dispersants, friction modifiers, anti-wear agents, VI improvers, anti-foam agents, corrosion and rust inhibitors, etc. Indeed, it is among the advantages of the compositions of the invention that they are unusually efficient modifiers of dispersancy and/or viscometric properties, such that in many cases significantly less of these additives need be added to achieve a desired combination of fluid properties. For example, the Examples below show, inter alia, that significant amounts of commercially available viscosity improvers can be displaced by adding a dispersant substance of the invention.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are intended to assist in a further understanding of the invention. The particular materials and conditions employed are intended to be further illustrative of the invention and are not limiting upon the reasonable scope thereof.

In all of the following examples, the experimental polymerization and functionalization work was performed with dried reactors and equipment and under strictly anaerobic conditions. Extreme care must be used to exclude air, moisture and other impurities capable of interfering with the delicate chemical balance involved in the synthesis of the polymers of this invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Example I Isoprene-Butadiene-Isoprene Triblock Copolymer

Three hundred milliliters (mL) of purified, dried cyclohexane was introduced into a six-hundred milliliter stirred glass reactor. Air was removed from the reactor under vacuum and replaced by dry nitrogen. The reactor was equipped with an air driven stirrer, a pressure gauge, thermocouple, top face inlet valve, dip tube feeder with valve, heating mantle and variable controller and combination nitrogen-vacuum inlet with valve. Three milliliters of a 0.1M solution of dipyridyl in cyclohexane, 7.3 mL (90 mmol) of tetrahydrofuran freshly distilled from benzophenone ketyl, and 1.8 mL (18 mmol) of purified isoprene were injected into the reactor. The temperature of the reactor and its contents was raised to 50° C. The solution was then titrated by the addition of 1.6M butyllithium until a persistent red color was obtained. Following this, 3.75 mL of 1.6M butyllithium was injected into the reactor in order to initiate polymerization of the isoprene. The reaction was allowed to run for one hour, after which 47.5 g of purified butadiene was pressured into the reactor at a rate such that the reaction temperature did not exceed 70° C. After one hour, the reactor pressure had returned to its initial level and the formation of the second block of the copolymer was completed. Isoprene (1.8 mL, 18 mmol) was again injected into the reaction to allow the formation of the third and final block of the triblock polymer. After one hour, 0.35 mL of acetic acid (4.5 mmol) was injected into the reactor to quench the triblock living anion. The color of the reaction mixture changed from a dark amber to colorless immediately. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered through alumina/Celite. An antioxidant Irganox 1076 from Ciba-Geigy (100 ppm based on dry polymer) was added and solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield a triblock polymer of about 8400 molecular weight as a clear, colorless, viscous fluid. Infrared analysis (FTIR) showed the butadiene center block to possess 55% 1,2- and 45% 1,4-microstructure.

Example II Viscosity as a Function of Molecular Weight

This example illustrates the relationship between the molecular weight of the triblock polymers prepared in the manner substantially the same as that of Example I and their resulting bulk viscosities.

As is apparent from the data of FIG. 1, a linear relationship exists between the molecular weight of the unhydrogenated isoprene-butadiene-isoprene polymers prepared as in Example I and the log of their room temperature bulk viscosities as measured using a Brookfield Engineering LVT viscometer operating at, for example, 0.6 rpm with spindle number 5.

Example III Hydrogenation of Isoprene-Butadiene-Isoprene Triblock Copolymer

A solution of 250 mL of cyclohexane and 23 g of a triblock polymer prepared in a manner similar to that described in Example I was purged of air by evacuation followed by introduction of dry nitrogen. This amount of polymer contained 0.403 moles of polybutadiene unsaturation. To the polymer solution was added 25 mL of a hydrogenation catalyst solution comprised of triethylaluminum and nickel octoate in a 3.6:1 ratio, with a nickel concentration of 0.1M in cyclohexane. The resulting mixture was placed in a Parr hydrogenation apparatus and pressured to 50 psig hydrogen. The apparatus was vented and the process repeated twice more, after which time the pressure was maintained at 50 psig of hydrogen. The temperature was raised to 50° C. and the mixture was agitated vigorously. Hydrogen was fed on demand in order to maintain 50 psig in the vessel, and the flow rate was monitored by means of a flow meter. The progress of the hydrogenation process was monitored both by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and hydrogen flow rate. An IR spectrum obtained at the start of the process displayed the presence of primarily the butadiene unsaturation (peaks at 995, 968, 910 cm⁻¹). After 30 minutes, butadiene vinyl unsaturation (peaks at 995, 910 cm⁻¹) was gone, the trans-1,4-butadiene was significantly reduced (968 cm⁻¹) and the isoprene unsaturation remained. This final point corresponds to zero hydrogen flow. Upon completion of the selective hydrogenation process, the vessel was vented and the black reaction mixture was stirred in air with ammonium hydroxide and methanol stoichiometrically equivalent to the total catalyst metal content (11.5 mmol, 0.7 mL concentrated ammonia and 0.5 mL methanol). Within several hours, the mixture had changed to a dark green color indicative of oxidized nickel. The mixture was filtered through alumina/Celite, and an anti-oxidant was added in the amount equivalent to 100 ppm based on the dry polymer weight. Solvent was then removed under reduced pressure to yield the product as a clear, colorless, viscous fluid.

Example IV Viscosity as a Function of Molecular Weight of Hydrogenated Triblock Polymer

This example illustrates the relationship between the molecular weight of the selectively hydrogenated triblock polymers prepared in the manner of Example III and their resulting bulk viscosities.

As is apparent in FIG. 2, a monotonic increase in room temperature bulk viscosity is observed as the molecular weight of the selectively hydrogenated triblock polymers is increased. In all cases, a Brookfield Engineering LVT viscometer operating at, for example 0.6 rpm with spindle number 5, was used. Surprisingly, however, even at a molecular weight of ten thousand g/mol (Mn=Mw), the bulk viscosity does not exceed one million centipoises.

Example V Isoprene-Butadiene Random Copolymer

Eleven hundred milliliters of purified pentane was introduced under a nitrogen atmosphere into a two quart glass-bowled pressure reactor. The reactor was equipped with an air driven stirrer, a pressure gauge, a thermometer well, a heat exchange coil, a top surface inlet valve, a dip tube feeder with a valve, a syringe injection port containing a Viton rubber gasket, and a blow-out disk (200 psi). Five milliliters of a 0.1M dipyridyl in cyclohexane solution was injected into the reactor along with 8.0 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran. Isoprene (9.3 g, 13.7 mL, 0.136 mol), freshly distilled from sodium, was added via syringe to a 300 mL Hoke bomb. Butadiene (124.0 g, 200 mL, 2.29 mol) was then pressured into the same bomb. The bomb was fitted on top of the reactor and approximately half of the contents was pressured into it. The solution was heated to 40° C. and titrated by slow addition of 1.6M n-butyllithium until an orangish color persisted. Then 4.2 mL (6.7 mmol) of n-butyllithium, was added. After several minutes, the remainder of the isoprene-butadiene solution was added. The temperature slowly exothermed to 50° C. and was maintained at 50°-51° C. for 3 hours. The living anion was then quenched by the addition of 0.46 mL (3.7 mmol) of 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone. An anti-oxidant Irganox 1076 from Ciba-Geigy (100 ppm based on dry polymer) was added and solvent was removed under reduced pressure from a small portion to yield a triblock polymer of about 20,000 molecular weight as a clear, colorless, viscous fluid. Infrared analysis (FTIR) showed the butadiene center block to possess 55% 1,2- and 45% 1,4-microstructure.

Example VI Hydrogenation of Isoprene-Butadiene Random Copolymer

Part of the polymeric solution (195 g) described in Example V was introduced into a 0.5 L Fischer-Porter reactor. The total amount of polymer added to the reactor was 31.4 g which represents 0.540 moles of butadiene unsaturation. The hydrogenation catalyst was prepared by adding 35.1 mL of a 1.7M triethylaluminum solution (59.6 mmol) to a solution of 19.9 mmol of cobalt octoate in 153.0 mL (119.2 g) of cyclohexane. The final catalyst solution was 0.1M in cobalt and had an aluminum-cobalt ratio of 3:1. A portion of this catalyst (5.0 mL, 0.50 mmol Co) was syringed into the reactor which had been purged/vented three times with nitrogen, then hydrogen, and pressured to 55 psig with hydrogen. The reaction exothermed to 34° C. and was maintained at 30°-35° C. The progress of the hydrogenation was monitored by infrared (FTIR) analysis of hourly samples. After 4 hours an additional 4 mL (0.40 mmol) of catalyst was added. The reaction was terminated after 6.25 h, when the IR showed minimal trans unsaturation (968 cm⁻¹) and complete disappearance of vinyl (910, 990 cm⁻¹). The catalyst was then removed by washing the polymer in the same type of reactor described in Example I with 300 mL of a 0.5M citric acid aqueous isopropanol (2:1 water-IPA) solution. The mixture was vigorously mixed at 70° C. for 20 minutes and allowed to settle. The pink aqueous layer was removed and the entire wash step was repeated using an aqueous isopropanol (2:1 water-IPA) solution. After addition of 0.2 g of Irganox 1076, the polymer was isolated by removing the volatiles under reduced pressure. Gel permeation chromatography of a sample revealed little change in the polydispersity index of the polymer had occurred as a result of hydrogenation.

Example VII Isoprene-Butadiene Diblock Copolymer

Eleven hundred milliliters of purified pentane was introduced under a nitrogen atmosphere into a two quart glass-bowled pressure reactor. The reactor was equipped with an air driven stirrer, a pressure gauge, a thermometer well, a heat exchange coil, a top surface inlet valve, a dip tube feeder with a valve, a syringe injection port containing a Viton rubber gasket, and a blow-out disk (200 psi). Five milliliters of a 0.1M dipyridyl in cyclohexane solution was injected into the reactor along with 8.0 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran. Isoprene (18.6 g, 27.3 mL, 0.344 mol), freshly distilled from sodium, was added via syringe to the reaction vessel. The solution was heated to 50° C. and titrated by slow addition of 1.6M n-butyllithium until an orangish color persisted. Then 4.2 mL (6.7 mmol) of n-butyllithium was added. After 4 hr, butadiene (114.7 g, 155 mL, 2.12 mol) was pressured into the same reactor. The solution temperature was maintained at 50°-51° C. for 3 hours. The remainder of the procedure was the same as that described in Example V.

Example VIII Hydrogenation of Isoprene-Butadiene Diblock Copolymer

The material described in Example VII was hydrogenated in the same manner as Example VI using 23.3 mL of a 0.1M cobalt-aluminum catalyst (3:1 Al/Co).

Example IX Addition of Maleic Anhydride to Selectively Hydrogenated Isoprene-Butadiene-Isoprene Triblock

A 500 milliliter three-neck round bottom flask fitted with a condenser, nitrogen inlet valve and overhead stirrer was charged with 94.6 g (9.46 mmol) of triblock polymer prepared in much the same manner as was described in Examples I and III. The triblock had a molecular weight of 10,000. Polyalphaolefin (4 cSt, 100 g) was added and the mixture was stirred and heated to 150° C. under an inert atmosphere. Maleic anhydride (5.10 g, 52.1 mmol, .sup.˜ 6 equiv) was added to the hot mixture. The reactants were then stirred at 240° C. for 7 hours. After this time, the reaction was sparged with nitrogen at 200° C. for a half hour to remove any unreacted maleic anhydride. The reaction mixture was purified further for analysis by dissolving 10 g in 50 mL of cyclohexane and adding 60 mL of methanol slowly until the polymer/PAO mixture fell out of solution. An FTIR of the resulting material showed the characteristic anhydride bands at 1820 and 1788 cm⁻¹. A Total Acid Number (TAN) analysis revealed that 4.0 anhydride groups had been added to the polymer chain.

Example X Imidization of Maleated IBI Triblock Polymer

A 3-neck 100 mL round bottom flask fitted with an overhead stirrer, nitrogen inlet valve, and a Dean-Stark trap was charged with 51.81 g of maleated IBI triblock prepared in Example VII. This material was 50% active in 4 cSt PAO. The mixture was heated to 130° C. and 1.5 mL (1.5 g, 10.4 mmol) of aminopropylmorpholine was added. The temperature of the reaction was increased to 150° C. for 2 hours. FTIR showed that the anhydride bands had disappeared and were replaced by a strong band at 1708 cm⁻¹. The reaction was then heated under high vacuum for 2 hours to remove the water and unreacted amine. The resulting material was purified no further. Nitrogen content was found to be 0.44% (calc'd: 0.51%).

Example XI Dispersancy Testing

Three dispersants of the invention, Dispersants A-C, were prepared similarly to the dispersants described in Examples I-X. Dispersants A-C were evaluated by spot dispersancy test (SDT), a traditional bench test for measuring the performance of dispersants. These dispersants were compared with two commercially available succinimide-modified polyisobutene dispersants, denoted as Commercial Dispersants CD1 and CD2, respectively. FIG. 3 shows the performance of the three dispersants of the invention at various treat rates, contrasted with that of the commercial products. Percent dispersancy is shown on the ordinate, with the larger values corresponding to better dispersancy properties. The materials of the invention are clearly superior to the commercial dispersants, exhibiting better dispersancy at equivalent treat rates. In particular, at low treat rates of 1.0%, each of the three compounds of the invention produced dispersancy which was twice as high as either of the commercial dispersants.

Example XII Viscometric Testing

Viscometric properties of materials prepared in accordance with Examples I-X were measured using a conventional method. Table 1 shows that Dispersant B at 6.3% in a 100 Neutral (100N) mineral oil stock produced a viscosity of 10.3 cSt, while 27.1% of commercial dispersant CD1 was required to yield only 10.2 cSt, and 7.1% of commercial dispersant CD2 yielded only 9.8 cSt. Clearly, the dispersant properties of these new materials are superior to those of the commercial products, since significantly less dispersant was required to obtain equivalent or better viscosity. Viscosity index (VI) is also clearly improved, as is relative thickening power (RTP), by the additives of the invention.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         VISCOMETRIC COMPARISON OF DISPERSANTS                                          IN 100N MINERAL OIL                                                            DISPERSANT % IN STOCK  100° C. KV                                                                         VI   RTP                                     ______________________________________                                         CD1        27.1        10.2       135  1.1                                     CD2        7.1          9.8       142  3.9                                     Dispersant B                                                                              6.3         10.3       153  4.6                                     ______________________________________                                    

Example XIII Para-Methylstyrene-1,3-Butadiene Random Copolymer

One thousand milliliters of purified pentane and 100 mL of tetrahydrofuran distilled over benzophenone ketyl were introduced under a nitrogen atmosphere into a two quart glass bowled stirred pressure reactor. The reactor was equipped with an air driven stirrer, a pressure gauge, a thermometer well, a heat exchange coil, a top surface inlet valve, a dip tube feeder with a valve, a syringe injection port containing a Viton rubber gasket, and a blow-out disk (200 psi). One milliliter of a 0.1M dipyridyl in cyclohexane solution was injected into the reactor along with 33.4 mL (30.0 g, 0.254 mol) of p-methylstyrene (p-MS) that had been passed through alumina. Butadiene (120 g, 2.22 mol) was then pressured into a 300 mL Hoke bomb. The bomb was fitted onto the reactor and the contents were pressured into it. The solution was heated to 35° C. then titrated by slow addition of 1.6M n-butyllithium until a red color persisted. The catalyst, 4.7 mL of n-butyllithium, was added. Polymerization of the butadiene and p-MS was continued at 25°-30° C. for 3.6 hours. The living anion was then quenched by the addition of 0.5 mL of 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone. A portion of the polymer was concentrated under reduced pressure. Gel permeation chromatography of the sample showed the polymer to have a number average molecular weight (Mn) and a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 2.00×10⁴ and 2.10×10⁴, respectively, and a polydispersity index of 1.05.

Example XIV Hydrogenation of p-Methylstyrene-1,3-Butadiene Random Copolymer

The polymeric solution prepared in Example XIII was introduced into a 1 L Fischer-Porter reactor. The total amount of polymer added to the reactor was 140 g, which represents 2.07 moles of butadiene unsaturation. The hydrogenation catalyst was prepared by adding 121.5 mL of a 1.7M triethylaluminum solution (210 mmol) to a solution of 60.0 mmol of cobalt octoate in 450 mL of cyclohexane. The final catalyst solution was 0.1M in cobalt and had an aluminum-cobalt ratio of 3.5:1. A portion of this catalyst (50 mL, 5.00 mmol Co) was cannulaed into the reactor which was then purged four times with hydrogen gas and pressured to 55 psig. The reaction temperature exothermed to 50° C. and was immediately cooled to 30° C. with an ice bath. The progress of the hydrogenation was monitored by infrared (IR) analysis of hourly samples. The reaction was terminated when the IR showed no existing olefin unsaturation. The catalyst was then removed by washing the polymer with 1 L of a 0.5M citric acid aqueous isopropanol (2:1 water-IPA) solution in the same type of reactor described in Example XIII. The mixture was vigorously stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes and then allowed to settle. The pink aqueous layer was removed. Another liter of citric acid solution was added and the procedure was repeated. After the addition of 0.5 g of antioxidant Irganox 1076, the polymer was concentrated under reduced pressure. Gel permeation chromatography revealed a Mn of 2.31×10⁴, a Mw of 2.5×10⁴, and a polydispersity index of 1.10.

Example XV Bromination of the Hydrogenated p-Methylstyrene-1,3-Butadiene Copolymer

To a stirring solution of 54.4 g (2.59 mmol) of the hydrogenated p-methylstyrene-butadiene copolymer described in Example XIV in 300 mL of cyclohexane under a nitrogen blanket was added 2.65 mL (8.28 g, 0.0517 mol) of bromine via syringe. After the addition was complete, a uv lamp (100 watt longwave mercury spot lamp) was shined directly on the reaction until the red bromine color disappeared (.sup.˜ 15-20 min). The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure.

Example XVI Amination of the Brominated Hydrogenated p-Methylstyrene-1,3-Butadiene Copolymer

To 10.0 g of a brominated p-methylstyrene-butadiene copolymer that was 20 weight % p-MS was added 10.0 g of 4 cSt polyalphaolefin (PAO), 1.87 g of calcium oxide, and 3.7 mL (3.6 g, 0.0251 mol) of N-aminopropylmorpholine. The reaction was stirred and heated under nitrogen at 150° C. for 18 hours, sparged with nitrogen for one hour at 150° C., then hot filtered through a bed of Celite 545 (diatomateous earth).

Example XVII Dispersancy Testing

The aminated copolymer of Example XVI (Dispersant F) and two other similarly prepared dispersants of the invention (Dispersants D and E), were evaluated by SDT and compared with commercial dispersants CD1 and CD2 described previously. FIG. 4 shows the performance of these three dispersants at various treat rates, contrasted with that of the commercial products. The materials of the invention are clearly superior to the commercial dispersants, exhibiting better dispersancy at equivalent treat rates. Indeed, Dispersant F showed an SDT value of 100% at 1% treat rate.

Example XVIII Viscometric Testing

Viscometric properties of materials prepared in accordance with Examples XIII-XVI were measured using a conventional method. Table 2 shows that Dispersant E at 4.7% in a 100N mineral oil stock produced a viscosity of 10.5 cSt, while 27.1% of Commercial dispersant CD1 was required to yield 10.2 cSt, and 7.1% of commercial dispersant CD2 yielded only 9.8 cSt. Clearly, the viscosity improving properties of these new materials are superior to those of the commercial products, since significantly less dispersant was required to obtain equivalent or better viscosity.

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         DISPERSANT VISCOMETRICS IN 100N STOCK                                          DISPERSANT*                                                                               % IN STOCK OIL                                                                               KV (cSt) VI   RTP                                     ______________________________________                                         CD1        27.1          10.2     135  1.1                                     CD2        7.1            9.8     142  3.9                                     Dispersant E                                                                              4.7           10.5     169  6.3                                     ______________________________________                                          *Dispersants are all 50% active in PAO.                                  

Table 3 compares Dispersant E with commercial products illustrating the capacity of the dispersants of the invention to minimize the amount of a commercial viscosity improver required to improve in viscosity from 4 cSt (i.e., no additives in the 100N stock) to 10 cSt.

                  TABLE 3                                                          ______________________________________                                         REPLACING VI IMPROVER WITH                                                     DISPERSANT IN 100N STOCK                                                                VISCOSITY  % COM-      % COM-                                                  (4% IN     MERCIAL VI  MERCIAL VI                                     DIS-     STOCK      IMPROVER    IMPROVER                                       PERSANT  OIL)       NEEDED      DISPLACED                                      ______________________________________                                         NONE     4.00       1.15         0                                             CD1      4.61       1.02        11                                             CD2      6.63       0.61        47                                             Dispersant E                                                                            8.23       0.18        85                                             ______________________________________                                    

Given an identical amount (4%) of each of the dispersants in the 100 Neutral stock, Dispersant E of the invention increased viscosity to 8.23 cSt while the commercial dispersants increased viscosity to only 4.61 cSt and 6.63 cSt. To increase the viscosity of the 100N stock to 10 cSt, 1.15% of a commercially available block copolymer viscosity improver was required. Dispersant E in the stock reduced the required amount of to 0.18%, a reduction of 85%. The commercial dispersants reduced the amount of required VI improver by only 11% and 47%.

Table 4 shows additional results for Dispersant E. In this case, the targeted viscosity improvement was to 14 cSt from 4 cSt.

                  TABLE 4                                                          ______________________________________                                         REPLACING VI IMPROVER                                                          WITH DISPERSANT IN 100N STOCK                                                           VISCOSITY  % COM-      % COM-                                                  (4% IN     MERCIAL VI  MERCIAL VI                                     DIS-     STOCK      IMPROVER    IMPROVER                                       PERSANT  OIL)       NEEDED      DISPLACED                                      ______________________________________                                         NONE     4.00       1.58         0                                             CD1      4.61       1.46         8                                             CD2      6.63       1.00        37                                             Dispersant E                                                                            9.00       0.74        53                                             ______________________________________                                    

Here, 4% added Dispersant E provided viscosity of 9 cSt, while identical amounts of the commercial dispersants produced viscosities of only 4.61 cSt and 6.63 cSt. To raise the viscosity of the stock to 14 cSt, 1.58% of the commercial block copolymer VI improver was required. Dispersant E reduced the required amount of VI improver to 0.74%, a reduction of 53%. The commercial dispersants reduced the required amount of VI improver by no more than 37%.

Example XIX Liquid Polybutadiene

Eleven hundred milliliters of purified pentane was introduced under a nitrogen atmosphere into a two quart glass-bowled pressure reactor. The reactor was equipped with an air driven stirrer, a pressure gauge, a thermometer well, a heat exchange coil, a top surface inlet valve, a dip tube feeder with a valve, a syringe injection port containing a Viton rubber gasket, and a blow-out disk (200 psi). Into the reactor was injected 1.5 mL of a 0.1M dipyridyl in cyclohexane solution along with 10.0 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (distilled over sodium benzophenone ketyl). Butadiene (150.0 g, 2420 mL, 2.77 mol) was then pressured into 300 mL Hoke bomb. The bomb was fitted on top of the reactor and the entire contents was pressured into it. The solution was heated to 50° C. and titrated by slow addition of 1.6M n-butyllithium until an orangish color persisted. The catalyst, 3.5 mL (5.6 mmol) of 1.6M n-butyllithium, was added. The temperature was maintained between 40°-50° C. for 2 hours after which time the living anion was quenched by the addition of 0.35 mL (2.8 mmol) of 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone. An antioxidant Irganox 1076 from Ciba-Geigy (100 ppm based on dry polymer) was added and solvent was removed under reduced pressure from a small portion to yield a polymer of about 30,000 (Mw/Mn=1.05) molecular weight as a clear, colorless, viscous fluid. Infrared analysis (FTIR) showed the butadiene to possess 67% 1,2- and 33% 1,4-microstructure.

Example XX Partial Hydrogenation of Liquid Polybutadiene

The polymer solution from Example XIX (minus 200 g) was introduced into a 1 L Fischer-Porter reaction vessel. The hydrogenation catalyst was a cobalt-triethylaluminum complex dissolved in cyclohexane. The solution was 0.1M in cobalt with an aluminum cobalt ratio of 3.5:1. After the reactor had been purged and vented first with nitrogen then with hydrogen, 70.0 mL of catalyst (7 mmol Co) was added to the reactor via canula. The reactor was then pressured to 55 psig with hydrogen. The reaction exothermed immediately from 21° C. to 43° C. before it was cooled below 35° C. It was allowed to exotherm again to 50° C. before it was again cooled to about 35° C. Periodic samples were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). They showed the disappearance of vinyl (990, 910 cm⁻¹) and trans (967 cm⁻¹) unsaturation. After 1.5 hours, when 3.3% residual trans unsaturation (21 double bonds) remained, the reaction was terminated. The catalyst was then removed by washing the polymer in the same type of reactor described in Example XIX with 800 mL of a 0.5M citric acid aqueous isopropanol (2:1 water-IPA) solution. The mixture was vigorously mixer at 70° C. for 20 minutes and allowed to settle. The pink aqueous layer was removed and the entire wash step was repeated using an aqueous isopropanol (2:1 water-IPA) solution. After addition of 0.2 g of Irganox 1076, the polymer was isolated by removing the volatiles under reduced pressure. Gel permeation chromatography showed little molecular weight change (Mn=34,600; Mw/Mn=1.15).

Example XXI Addition of Maleic Anhydride to Incompletely Hydrogenated Polybutadiene

A 500 milliliter three-neck round bottom flask fitted with a condenser, nitrogen inlet valve and overhead stirrer was charged with 41.83 g (1.2 mmol) of hydrogenated polybutadiene prepared in Example XX. The polybutadiene had a molecular weight of 34,000. Polyalphaolefin (4 cSt, 60.7 g) was added and the mixture was stirred and heated to 180° C. under an inert atmosphere. Maleic anhydride (2.34 g, 23.9 mmol, .sup.˜ 20 equiv) was added to the hot mixture. The reactants were then stirred at 240°-250° C. for 7.5 hours. After this time, the reaction was sparged with nitrogen at 190° C. for one hour to remove any unreacted maleic anhydride. The reaction mixture was purified further for analysis by dissolving 10 g in 50 mL of cyclohexane and adding 60 mL of isopropanol slowly until the polymer/PAO mixture fell out of solution. An FTIR of the resulting material showed the characteristic anhydride bands at 1820 and 1789 cm⁻¹. A Total Acid Number (TAN) analysis revealed that on average there were 13.2 anhydride groups per polymer chain.

Example XXII Imidization of Maleated Polybutadiene

A 3-neck 100 mL round bottom flask fitted with an overhead stirrer and nitrogen inlet valve was charged with 37.14 g of maleated hydrogenated polybutadiene, 50% active in 4 cSt PAO, prepared in Example XXI. The mixture was heated to 130° C. and 1.0 mL (1.0 g, 7.0 mmol) of aminopropylmorpholine was added. The temperature of the reaction was increased to 150° C. for 2 hours. FTIR showed that the anhydride bands had disappeared and were replaced by a strong band at 1708 cm⁻¹. The reaction was then heated under high vacuum for 3 hours to remove the water and unreacted amine. The resulting material was purified no further. Nitrogen content was found to be 0.46% (calc'd: 0.49%).

Example XXIII Dispersancy Testing

The dispersant of Example XXII was evaluated by SDT. This dispersant, denoted Dispersant G, was compared with the commercial dispersants CD1 and CD2 described previously. FIG. 5 shows the performance of Dispersant G at various treat rates, contrasted with that of the commercial products. The material of the invention is clearly superior to the commercial dispersants, exhibiting better dispersancy at equivalent treat rates. In particular, at low treat rates of 1.0%, Dispersant G produced dispersancy which was over twice as high as either of the commercial dispersants.

Example XXIV Viscometric Testing

Viscometric properties of Dispersant G were measured using a conventional method. Table 5 shows that Dispersant G at 5.4% in a 100 neutral mineral oil stock produced a viscosity of 10.5 cSt, while 27.1% of commercial dispersant CD1 was required to yield only 10.2 cSt, and 7.1% of commercial dispersant CD2 yielded only 9.8 cSt. Clearly, the viscosity improving properties of this new material is superior to those of the commercial products, since significantly less dispersant was required to obtain equivalent or better viscosity.

                  TABLE 5                                                          ______________________________________                                         VISCOMETRIC COMPARISON OF DISPERSANTS                                          IN 100N MINERAL OIL                                                                                   100° C. KV                                       DISPERSANT % IN STOCK  (cst)      VI   RTP                                     ______________________________________                                         CD1        27.1        10.2       135  1.1                                     CD2        7.1          9.8       142  3.9                                     Dispersant G                                                                              5.4         10.5       162  5.6                                     ______________________________________                                    

Example XXV 90% Vinyl Polybutadiene Star

Two thousand milliliters of purified pentane was introduced under a nitrogen atmosphere into a one gallon glass-bowled pressure reactor. The reactor was equipped with a motorized stirrer, a pressure gauge, a thermometer well, a heat exchange coil, a top surface inlet valve, a dip tube feeder with a valve, a syringe injection port containing a Viton rubber gasket, and a blow-out disk (200 psi). Two milliliters of a 0.1M dipyridyl in cyclohexane solution was injected into the reactor along with 40.0 mL of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran. Butadiene (185.0 g, 3.42 mol) was then pressured into a 1000 mL Hoke bomb. The bomb was fitted on top of the reactor and the contents were pressured into it. The solution was heated to 50° C. and titrated by slow addition of 1.6M n-butyllithium until an orangish color persisted. The contents of the reactor were cooled to 30° C. The catalyst, 2.4 mL (3.85 mmol) of n-butyllithium, was added. Polymerization of the butadiene was maintained at 18° C. for 3 hours and then was allowed to drift back to room temperature (˜25° C.) over a 2 hour period. To the living anion was added 3.8 mL (26.8 mmol) of purified divinyl benzene. The reaction was warmed to 50° C. and stirred for 3 hours. The living anion was then quenched by the addition of 0.25 mL (2.0 mmol) of 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone. A portion of the polymer was isolated by flocculation in isopropanol containing Irganox 1076 and dried in a vacuum oven. Gel permeation chromatography of the sample showed the polymer to have a number average molecular weight (Mn) and a weight average (Mw) of 742,915 and 800,020, respectively, and a polydispersity index (Mw/Mn) of 1.08. Infrared (FTIR) analysis showed the butadiene microstructure to have ˜90% 1,2-microstructure.

Example XXVI Hydrogenation of 90% Vinyl Polybutadiene Star

Part of the polymeric solution (150 g) described in Example XXV was introduced into a 0.5 L Fischer-Porter reactor. The total amount of polymer added to the reactor was 18.8 g which represents 34.8 mol of butadiene unsaturation. Two hundred milliliters of pentane was added to further dilute the polymer. The hydrogenation catalyst was prepared by adding 35.1 mL of a 1.7M diethylaluminum ethoxide solution (59.6 mmol) to a solution of 19.7 mmol of cobalt octoate in 198.6 mL (119.2 g) of cyclohexane. The final catalyst solution was 0.1M in cobalt and had an aluminum-cobalt ratio of 3.5:1. A portion of this catalyst (6.0 mL, 0.60 mmol Co) was syringed into the reactor which had been purged/vented three times with nitrogen, then hydrogen, and pressured to 55 psig with hydrogen. The progress of the hydrogenation was monitored by infrared (FTIR) analysis of half hour samples. An additional 3.0 mL (0.3 mmol Co) of catalyst was added after one hour. The reaction was terminated after 22 h, when the IR showed only 0.18% residual trans or 25 trans double bonds per star polymer molecule. The catalyst was then removed by washing the polymer in a Waring blender with 500 mL of a 0.5M citric acid aqueous isopropanol (2:1 water-IPA) solution. The mixture was vigorously mixed at 70° C. for 20 minutes and allowed to settle. The pink aqueous layer was removed and the entire wash step was repeated using an aqueous isopropanol solution. After addition of 0.2 g of Irganox 1076, the polymer was isolated by flocculation in isopropanol containing Irganox 1076 and dried in a vacuum oven. Gel permeation chromatography of the sample revealed that little change in the polydispersity index of the polymer had occurred as a result of hydrogenation.

Example XXVII

The selectively hydrogenated polymer of Example XXVI is chemically modified with maleic anhydride followed by aminopropylmorpholine as described in Examples IX and X to provide a dispersant VI improver.

Thus, while there have been described what are presently believed to be the preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that other and further embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to include all such further modifications and changes as come within the true scope of the claims set forth herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispersant substance for modifying the dispersancy or viscometric properties of a fluid, comprising:a copolymer of a ring-substituted styrene and at least one conjugated diene, wherein:said ring-substituted styrene has at least one benzylic hydrogen and the formula: ##STR19## wherein n=1-5, and R^(A) and R^(B) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group; and said at least one conjugated diene comprises:a conjugated diene having at least five carbon atoms and the formula: ##STR20## wherein R¹ -R⁶ are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that at least one of R¹ -R⁶ is a hydrocarbyl group, provided that after polymerization, the unsaturation of the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (1) has the formula: ##STR21## wherein R^(I), R^(II), R^(III) and R^(IV) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that either both R^(I) and R^(II) are hydrocarbyl groups or both R^(III) and R^(IV) are hydrocarbyl groups; or a conjugated diene having at least four carbon atoms and the formula: ##STR22## wherein R⁷ -R¹² are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that after polymerization, the unsaturation in the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (3) has the formula: ##STR23## wherein R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII) and R^(VIII) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that one of R^(V) or R^(VI) is hydrogen, one of R^(VII) or R^(VIII) is hydrogen, and at least one of R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII) and R^(VIII) is a hydrocarbyl group; and wherein said copolymer has been functionalized by a method comprising: selectively hydrogenating said copolymer to provide a selectively hydrogenated copolymer; and functionalizing said selectively hydrogenated copolymer to provide a functionalized copolymer having at least one polar functional group.
 2. The dispersant substance of claim 1, wherein said ring-substituted styrene and said conjugated diene are polymerized as a block copolymer comprising at least two alternating blocks

    (P).sub.x --(B).sub.y or (B).sub.y --(P).sub.x,

wherein: the block (P) comprises at least one polymerized ring-substituted styrene of formula (5); the block (B) comprises at least one polymerized conjugated diene of formulae (1) or (3); x is the number of polymerized monomer units in block (P) and is at least 1, and y is the number of polymerized monomer units in block (B) and is at least
 25. 3. The dispersant substance of claim 1, wherein said ring-substituted styrene and said conjugated diene are polymerized as a random copolymer.
 4. The dispersant substance of claim 1, wherein said ring-substituted styrene and said conjugated diene are polymerized as a branched or star-branched copolymer.
 5. The dispersant substance of claim 1, wherein said copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 2,000.
 6. The dispersant substance of claim 5, wherein said copolymer has a molecular weight of from about 2,000 to about 1,000,000.
 7. The dispersant substance of claim 6, wherein said copolymer has a molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 500,000.
 8. The dispersant substance of claim 1, wherein said ring-substituted styrene is included in said polymer in an amount of from about 0.5% wt. to about 25% wt.; and said conjugated diene is included in said polymer in an amount of from about 75% wt. to about 99.5% wt.
 9. The dispersant substance of claim 8, wherein said ring-substituted styrene is included in said polymer in an amount of from about 5% wt. to about 15% wt.; and said conjugated diene is included in said polymer in an amount of from about 85% wt. to about 95% wt.
 10. The dispersant substance of claim 2, wherein x is from about 1 to about 600, and y is from about 30 to about 4,000.
 11. The dispersant substance of claim 10, wherein x is from about 1 to about 350, and y is from about 30 to about 2,800.
 12. The dispersant substance of claim 1, wherein after the selectively hydrogenating step, the residual aromatic unsaturation is at least about 50% of the original aromatic unsaturation prior to the selectively hydrogenating step.
 13. The dispersant substance of claim 12, wherein after the selective hydrogenating step, the residual aromatic unsaturation is at least about 90% of the original aromatic unsaturation prior to the selectively hydrogenating step.
 14. The dispersant substance of claim 1, wherein after the said selective hydrogenating step, the Iodine Number for residual unsaturation of formulae (2) or (4) is from about 0% to about 1% of the Iodine Number prior to the selective hydrogenating step.
 15. The dispersant substance of claim 14, wherein after the selective hydrogenating step, the Iodine Number for residual unsaturation of formulae (2) or (4) is about 0% of the Iodine Number prior to the selective hydrogenating step.
 16. The dispersant substance of claim 1, wherein n =1-3.
 17. The dispersant substance of claim 16, wherein n=1.
 18. The dispersant substance of claim 1, wherein the ring-substituted styrene is selected from among vinyl toluenes, vinyl xylenes, methylstyrenes, ethylstyrenes, propylstyrenes, isopropylstyrenes, sec-butylstyrenes, benzyl styrenes, and combinations thereof.
 19. The dispersant substance of claim 18, wherein the ring-substituted styrene comprises p-methylstyrene.
 20. The dispersant substance of claim 1, wherein the conjugated diene of formulae (1) or (3) comprises isoprene, 2,3-dimethyl-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, myrcene, 3-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 2-phenyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-phenyl-1,3-pentadiene, 3-phenyl-1,3 pentadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-pentadiene, 2-hexyl-1,3-butadiene, 3-methyl-1,3-hexadiene, 2-benzyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-p-tolyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-hexadiene, 1,3-heptadiene, 2,4-heptadiene, 1,3-octadiene, 2,4-octadiene, 3,5-octadiene, 1,3-nonadiene, 2,4-nonadiene, 3,5-nonadiene, 1,3-decadiene, 2,4-decadiene, 3,5-decadiene, or a mixture thereof.
 21. The dispersant substance of claim 20, wherein the conjugated diene of formulae (1) or (3) comprises isoprene, myrcene, 2,3-dimethyl-butadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-pentadiene, 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, or 1,3-hexadiene, or a mixture thereof.
 22. The dispersant substance of claim 21, wherein the conjugated diene of formulae (1) or (3) comprises isoprene, 1,3-butadiene, or a mixture thereof.
 23. The dispersant substance of claim 2, wherein said conjugated diene comprises 1,3-butadiene, and each of the (B) blocks is a mixture of 1,4- and 1,2-units.
 24. The dispersant substance of claim 23, wherein each of the (B) blocks has at least about 25% of the 1,2-units.
 25. The dispersant substance of claim 24, wherein each of the (B) blocks has from about 30% to about 90% of the 1,2-subunits.
 26. The dispersant substance of claim 25, wherein each of the (B) blocks has from about 45% to about 65% of the 1,2-units.
 27. The dispersant substance of claim 2, wherein said functionalizing step comprises halogenating said selectively hydrogenated copolymer to provide a halogenated copolymer.
 28. The dispersant substance of claim 27, wherein said halogenating step comprises brominating said selectively hydrogenated copolymer to provide a brominated copolymer.
 29. The dispersant substance of claim 28, wherein said functionalizing step further comprises reacting said brominated copolymer with a monoamine, a polyamine, or a combination thereof.
 30. The dispersant substance of claim 2, wherein said functionalizing step comprises:brominating said selectively hydrogenated copolymer to provide a brominated copolymer, and reacting said brominated copolymer with a monoamine, a polyamine, or a combination thereof.
 31. The dispersant substance of claim 1, wherein said polymer is distributed in a carrier fluid to provide a dispersant concentrate.
 32. The dispersant substance of claim 31, wherein said polymer is included in an amount of from about 5% wt. to about 90% wt. of the dispersant concentrate.
 33. The dispersant substance of claim 32, wherein said polymer is included in an amount of from about 10% wt. to about 70% wt. of the dispersant concentrate.
 34. The dispersant substance of claim 1, further comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, pour point depressants, detergents, dispersants, friction modifiers, anti-wear agents, anti-foam agents, corrosion and rust inhibitors, viscosity index improvers, and the like.
 35. A method of modifying the dispersancy or viscometric properties of a fluid, comprising:admixing with a fluid an amount of a dispersant substance sufficient to provide a fluid having modified dispersant or viscometric properties, wherein said dispersant substance comprises: a copolymer of a ring-substituted styrene and at least one conjugated diene, wherein:said ring-substituted styrene has at least one benzylic hydrogen and the formula: ##STR24## wherein n=1-5, and R^(A) and R^(B) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group; and said at least one conjugated diene comprises:a conjugated diene having at least five carbon atoms and the formula: ##STR25## wherein R¹ -R⁶ are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that at least one of R¹ -R⁶ is a hydrocarbyl group, provided that after polymerization, the unsaturation of the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (1) has the formula: ##STR26## wherein R^(I), R^(II), R^(III) and R^(IV) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that either both R^(I) and R^(II) are hydrocarbyl groups or both R^(III) and R^(IV) are hydrocarbyl groups; or a conjugated diene having at least four carbon atoms and the formula: ##STR27## wherein R⁷ -R¹² are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that after polymerization, the unsaturation in the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (3) has the formula: ##STR28## wherein R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII) and R^(VIII) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that one of R^(V) or R^(VI) is hydrogen, one of R^(VII) or R^(VIII) is hydrogen, and at least one of R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII) and R^(VIII) is a hydrocarbyl group; and wherein said copolymer has been functionalized by a method comprising: selectively hydrogenating said copolymer to provide a selectively hydrogenated copolymer; and functionalizing said selectively hydrogenated copolymer to provide a functionalized copolymer having at least one polar functional group.
 36. The method of claim 35, comprising admixing said dispersant substance in an amount of from about 0.001% wt. to about 20% wt. of said dispersant-modified fluid.
 37. The method of claim 36, comprising admixing said dispersant substance in an amount of from about 0.1% wt. to about 15% wt. of said dispersant-modified fluid.
 38. The method of claim 37, comprising admixing said dispersant substance in an amount of from about 0.5% wt. to about 10% wt. of said dispersant-modified fluid.
 39. The method of claim 35, wherein said fluid is selected from the group consisting of motor oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, gear oils, aviation oils, normally liquid fuels, and the like.
 40. The method of claim 35, further comprising admixing with said lubricant fluid at least one additive selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, pour point depressants, detergents, dispersants, friction modifiers, anti-wear agents, corrosion and rust inhibitors, viscosity index improvers, and the like.
 41. A lubricant fluid having modified dispersancy or viscometric properties, comprising:a fluid; and a dispersant substance comprising: a copolymer of a ring-substituted styrene and at least one conjugated diene, wherein:said ring-substituted styrene has at least one benzylic hydrogen and the formula: ##STR29## wherein n=1-5, and R^(A) and R^(B) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group; and said at least one conjugated diene comprises:a conjugated diene having at least five carbon atoms and the formula: ##STR30## wherein R¹ -R⁶ are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that at least one of R¹ -R⁶ is a hydrocarbyl group, provided that after polymerization, the unsaturation of the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (1) has the formula: ##STR31## wherein R^(I), R^(II), R^(III) and R^(IV) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that either both R^(I) and R^(II) are hydrocarbyl groups or both R^(III) and R^(IV) are hydrocarbyl groups; or a conjugated diene having at least four carbon atoms and the formula: ##STR32## wherein R⁷ -R¹² are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that after polymerization, the unsaturation in the polymerized conjugated diene of formula (3) has the formula: ##STR33## wherein R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII) and R^(VIII) are each hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that one of R^(V) or R^(VI) is hydrogen, one of R^(VII) or R^(VIII) is hydrogen, and at least one of R^(V), R^(VI), R^(VII) and R^(VIII) is a hydrocarbyl group; and wherein said copolymer has been functionalized by a method comprising: selectively hydrogenating said copolymer to provide a selectively hydrogenated copolymer; and functionalizing said selectively hydrogenated copolymer to provide a functionalized copolymer having at least one polar functional group.
 42. The dispersant-modified fluid of claim 41, wherein said dispersant substance is included in an amount of from about 0.001% wt. to about 20% wt.
 43. The dispersant-modified fluid of claim 42, wherein said dispersant substance is included in an amount of from about 0.1% wt. to about 10% wt.
 44. The dispersant-modified fluid of claim 43, wherein said dispersant substance is included in an amount of from about 0.5% wt. to about 7% wt.
 45. The dispersant-modified fluid of claim 41, wherein said fluid is selected from the group consisting of motor oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, gear oils, aviation oils, normally liquid fuels, and the like.
 46. The dispersant-modified fluid of claim 41, wherein said fluid further comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, pour point depressants, detergents, dispersants, friction modifiers, anti-wear agents, anti-foam agents, corrosion and rust inhibitors, viscosity index improvers, and the like. 